PS 2677 
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Copy 1 






Classes and Masses 

OR 

Ned and Nell 



A Play in 
Five Acts 




CLASSES AND MASSES 

OR 

NED AND NELL. 

A PLAY IN FIVE ACTS. 

Act I. Open Space in front of a Factory. 

Act II. Sitting-Room in the House of Mr. Upson. 

Act III. Scene I, A City Street by Night: Scene 
II, A Bar-Room. 

Act IV. Scene I, Same as Scene First, Act Third: 
Scene II, Same as Act Second. 

Act V. A Restaurant and Concert Garden. 

Place and Time. An American City of To-Day. 

Incidentally showing the possibility of writing 
English Comedy in a style both natural and metri- 
cal. In order to be better adapted to a more 
rapid movement of thought, the lines contain one 
measure less than is common in English blank 
verse; in other words, the verse in tetrameter 
instead of pentameter. 



Printed not Published. 



Copyright, 190 1, 

by 

George L,. Raymond, 

1810 N St., Washington, D. C. 



Lifi/^.RY of CtftfSRtSS 
Two Copies Received 

JUN 6 1904 

AT) Cooyrlght Entry 
CL*SS ^> XXo. N6- 



" /oPY B 






PRES8 OF BYRON 8. ADAM8. 



Characters. 

Ned.— A young- street-boy, brought up by Reddy 
whom he calls Unky. 

Nell.— Daughter of Mr. Upson, Niece of The 
Doctor. 

Mr. Upson.— Proprietor of a large Factory, a 
man of wealth and position, father of Nell. 

The Doctor.— A Teacher, Uncle of Nell, on a 
visit to Mr. Upson. 

Reddy. — A leader of the Strikers. 

Jake. — A rival leader of the Strikers. 

Ives. — A Policeman. 

Other Policemen, Workingmen, Strikers, 
Thieves, etc 



'Dress and Properties. 

Ned. — In Act I, a working-boy's suit. In Act 

II, a newsboy's suit, with cap, etc., also a young 
lady's out-door dress and hat. In Act III, the 
young lady's out-door dress and hat, and in Act 

IV, the same and also the newsboy's suit and cap. 
In Act V, a singing girl's dress and false wig. 
In Act I, he introduces a piece of iron pipe repre- 
senting a dynamite bomb, also a manuscript poem. 
In Act II newspapers, a jack-knife from his 
pocket and a razor from a drawer, and various 
parts of a newsboy's clothing flung from the wing. 
In Acts III and IV, jewelry received from Nell in 
Act II. 

Nell. — In Act I, a lady's out-door walking suit. 
In Act II, an evening dress and also a suit ht for 
a newsboy like that worn by Ned with cap, etc. 
In Act III, the same. In Act IV, a lady's house- 
dress. In Act V, water-proof overcoat, rubber 
boots, slouch hat, like a boy's. In Act I she in- 
troduces a book; in Act II a pistol, lady's cloth- 
ing, including underwear, a dress and hat like 
that subsequently worn by Ned, and also jew- 
elry, including a brooch, a bundle of boy's cloth- 
ing like that worn by Ned, and a key. In Act 

III, she introduces part of this jewelry but not 
the brooch, and in Act IV, a bundle of boy's 
clothing resembling the newsboy's suit worn by 
Ned, and a key. 

Mr. Upson and The Doctor. — Ordinary gentle- 
men's suits. In Acts I, II and V, they have hats 
or caps. In Act IV, Mr. Upson has also a dress- 
ing-gown and slippers; and the Doctor, in Act 

V, has colored spectacles, a long overcoat and a 
slouch hat. Mr. Upson introduces a bunch of 
keys in Act IV, and the Doctor a newspaper in 
Act I, and papers in a desk in Act II. 

Reddy and Jake. — Workingmen's dresses with 
caps or hats. In Act V, Reddy wears a waiter's 
apron, and has on a wig. In Act II he introduces 
a pistol, and in Act IV a piece of pipe represent- 
ing a dynamite bomb, the same as introduced by 
Ned in Act I. He may speak in an English cock- 
ney accent dropping the "h," etc. 

Ives. — Policeman's uniform, except in Act V,. 
when he is in citizen's dress. 

First Policeman in Act III introduced hand- 
cuffs. 



CLASSES AND MASSES 

OR 

NED AND NELL 



ACT FIRST. 



Scene: An Open Space in front of a Factory. 
Backing, the Factory, in front of which is a 
wall with an open Gateivay at the Right Center. 
On the Left is an Office, its door opening upon 
a Porch, in front of which are Pillars. Two 
chairs are on the Porch. Entrances by streets 
at Right Upper and Left Upper, the latter be- 
hind the Office; also by a street at Right Sec- 
ond and at Left First. At Left Second is a 
Door from the Office onto the Porch. 
The Curtain rising discloses the Doctor sitting 
on the Office Porch reading a newspaper. 

Enter — Right Second — Reddy and Jake, the lat- 
ter wheeling a cart. 

Jake. (Gesturing toward Factory.) 

We ought to get them out to-night. 
Reddy. If out once they will burn it down. 

(Pointing toward Factory.) 
Jake. Then let them burn it. 

Reddy. Burn it man? 

We started on the strike to get 

More wages. Burn the factory down, 

Where would your wages come from? 
Jake. Well, 

We should get even with the boss. 
Reddy. What good would that do, man? 
Doctor. (Who has been watching and hearing 

them.) 

Well put! 

The master's property is all 

The workman's principle. 



6 Classes and Masses or Ned and Nell. 

Jake. It is? — 

And who wants principle? 
Doctor. Yourselves — 

Enough at least to have some care 

For your own interest. 
Jake. You make 

The boss then have some care for us. 
Doctor. No best friend ever seems a friend 

To one not friendly to himself. 

Blind Sampsons that you are, the day 

You make the walls you work in, fall, 

They fall on you. 
Jake. (Pointing toward Reddy.) 

He started it. 
Reddy. But only peaceful means I started. 

I never talked of mob and tire. 
Doctor. Yes — dangerous to play with fire! 

All easy enough beginning it; 

But when it gets to burning, — well, 

Is like a crack there in the dam. 

Your little finger, when it starts, 

Can check the flood and stop the leak; 

Let go a time, the. strongest man 

Who tried to stem it would be drowned. 
Exit — Left Second — Doctor. 
Jake. (To Reddy J Who was that old cove? 
Reddy. I don't know. 

Jake. Detective ? 
Reddy. No; you bet your life — 

Is no detective — spoke the truth. 
Exit — Left Upper — Jake wheeling the cart. 
Enter — Right Second — Ned. 

Ned. Hello here, Unky ! Here's a lark! 

Reddy. A lark? 

Ned. Oh, yes ; — a fly. 

Reddy. What fly? 

Ned. Why, from the cops, of course! To-night 

You're going to see some fireworks, Hy ! 

(Waving a small piece of iron pipe.) 

Reddy. What is that? 
Ned. Why, — a cracker. 

Reddy. What? 

Ned. It cracks the thing it hits. 
Reddy. Take care! 

Here — let me look at it. 



Classes and Masses or Ned and NelL J 

Ned. Is not 

So much to look at, Unky, but 

When on a strike once, — then oh cracky! 
Reddy. (Trying to snatch it from NedJ 

Give me it. Where was it you got it? 
Ned. (Dodging away.) 

At old Von Stein's — has lots of them. 

To-night, too, we are going out, 

We boys, hy hy ! 
Reddy. Well, well, what then? 

Ned. (Waving the the pipe above his head.) 

Why, they are going out, too. 
Reddy. What for? 

Ned. What for? — The factories. 

Reddy. And they? — 

Ned. Are not going out until next morning. 

Reddy. So, so, — what next? 
Ned. What next? — You know 

Old Upson's house? 
Reddy. You're going there? 

Ned. Well, I should smile — if I went there. 
Reddy. (Pointing to the iron pipe.) 

You mean — to sling them traps about? 
Ned. (Looking around suspiciously, and speaking 

lower.) 

Not I, but they. Up there, you know, 

Are mighty pretty things. 
Reddy. And you? 

Ned. Am going to have some fun, I am. 
Reddy. (Snatching the pipe from Ned.) 

You are, eh? — I shall keep this. 
Ned. (Trying to get the pipe back.) 

No! 
Reddy. You think you know what you are do- 
ing?— 

If you was found with this thing on you, 

You might be hung, and ought to be. 
Ned. And ought? 
Reddy. And ought! It's dynamite — 

Enough to kill a dozen men. 
Ned. All's fair, you know, in war. 
Reddy. In war; — 

But all like this is mighty foul 

In peace. 
Ned. But it was you begun it. 

Reddy. Not' breaking into houses, Ned. 



S Classes and Masses or Ned and Nell. 

Ned. No more did I. The truth is, Unky, 

They sneaked that in my pocket here. 
Just snaked it out; but if it were 
A key, and one could turn it so — 
(Making a movement like turning a key.) 
Ah, Unky, they may smash the doors, 
I'll stay behind and dodge the splinters, 
And walk in afterwards. 

Reddy. You lay 

One little ringer on a thing 
In Upson's house, you go to jail, — 
Or ought to go. It's not for theft 
We strike that want an honest wage 
For honest work; and if it be for theft 
You talk of going out to-night, 
I swear, Ned, I shall keep you in, 
If I break both your legs to do it. 
And when I find that man Von Stein, 
That put this fire here in your pocket, 
For you to burn yourself with Ned, — 
You just keep out the way. I mean 
To give that old whelp such a licking, 
His hind legs will be swollen up 
Too big except to roll on, Curse him! 
What other boys did he give these to? 

Enter — Right Center — Policeman Ives, looks at 
them and then disappears, exiting at Left 
Upper. 

Ned. Oh, two or three. 

Reddy. (Still holding bomb in his hand.) 

What two or three? 
Ned. Jake Sears, Tom Ford, Jim Blake, Jo Jones. 
Reddy. That all? 

Ned. All / know. 

Reddy. (Putting bomb in his pocket.) 

I must go 

And see to them. — No more of this ! — 

You understand me? 

(Ned nods.) 
Exit — Right Second — Reddy. 
Ned. (Looking after Reddy.) 

Yes— but I 

Should like to see you keep me in, 

When you, yourself will not be in. 

Humph! Where such fun is going on, 



Classes and Masses or Ned and Nell. , g 

I think I see that I shall see it. 

It's pretty rough though, on a fellow, 

To have to dodge the old man, too, 

Enter — Left Upper — Policeman Ives, and softly 
comes up behind Ned. 

As well as cops. By hokey-dorey, 

If I don't swop off rigs to-night, 

With Jimmy Blake, and sell his papers! — 

Would like to see them catch me then. 
Ives. (Putting his hand on Ned's shoulder.) 

Here youngster, what's your name? 
Ned. It's Ned. 

Ives. Ned what? 
Ned. Ned Brown. 

Ives. And where's your home? 

Ives. It's where I find a place to sleep in. 
Ives. Come, don't be impudent. 

(Collaring Ned.) 
Ned. See here, 

I ain't no thief. 
Ives. (Examining Ned's pockets.) 

Who said you was? 
Ned. I ain't been doing nothing. 

Ives. Sha'n't 

If I can stop it. — Who was that 

Just left you here? 
Ned. Which one you mean? 

Ives. The only one. Talk up, talk up; 

And tell me what you gave him. 
Ned. Nothing. 

Ives. You did. 

Ned. I didn't. He took it from me. 

Ives. What was it? 
Ned. I don't know. 

Ives. You do. 

Ned. I don't. He said himself, I didn't. 

That's why he took it. 
Ives. Is it? 

Ned. ' Yes. 

He said I'd hurt somebody. 
Ives. Who ? 

Ned. The strikers. 
Ives. Strikers ? 

Ned. Yes, he said 

They wan't no thieves, nor murderers. 



io Classes and Masses or Ned and Nell. 

Ives. (Letting go of Ned, who gradually draws 

away from him to Left.) 

I see; and so the men themselves 

Are quarreling; and he — 
Ned. Why he, 

Don't want no quarreling, you know. 
Ives. And took this from you? 
Ned. Yes. 

Ives. And what's 

He going to do with it? 
Ned. The same,, 

I guess, that I was. 
Ives. What ? 

Ned. Why, throw it. 

Ives. Throw it? — where? 

Ned. Where I was going — 

Ives. (Anxiously.) And where is that? 
Ned. (With fingers up and thumb against nose.} 

Away — ha, ha f 
Exit — Left First — Ned, running. 

Ives. (Starting to run toward Ned, then stopping.) 
There may be more of smoke than fire 
In these reports. Yet one must watch 

Enter — Right Center — Upson. 

Upson. (To IvesJ Good morning. 

Ives. (To UpsonJ Oh, good morning, sir. 

Upson. You may not know me? — Mr. Upson. 

Ives. Oh, yes, sir, — owner of these works. 

Upson. I am — is nothing new, to-day? 

Enter — Left Second — the Doctor. 

Ives. (To UpsonJ 
Oh, no, sir ; nothing of importance. 

Exit, after a little — Left First — Ives. 

Upson. (To DoctorJ 

You make a good detective. Doctor. 
Yon like your occupation, do you? 

Doctor. Quite late — your asking that of me ! — 
When I have taught for twenty years. 

Upson. Is that detective work? 

Doctor. Much like it. 

A teacher must detect, at least, 
A place inside the brain where thought, 
When planted, will be apt to grow. 
He usually finds the place just where 
Some mischief has been weeded out. 



Classes and Masses or Ned and Nell, n 

Upson. I hope your lack of change in work 

Will not be such as to prevent 

Your having some vacation. 
Doctor. No ; 

Am glad to be of use to you. 
Upson. A hundred new hands just come in — 

Enough, I think, to break the strike. 
Doctor. At times a calm may come before 

A crash of thunder. 
Upson. Oh, no fear, 

Of violence for us ! You know 

I never deal with men like these, 

But that I think of little Ned, 

My boy, they kidnapped. He might be 

Among them. 
Doctor. Yes. 

Upson. Besides before 

This last strike we have always yielded. 
Doctor. Some think that those who once have 
yielded 

Will yield again. 
Upson. And men of peace, 

Like you, advise one's never yielding? 
Enter— Right Second— Nell. 
Doctor. Oh, no ; but merely to be cautious. 

You know the danger for a man 

Who trains wild beasts, if accident 

Give them a chance to taste his blood. 

So sometimes with the man who trains, 

Tn school, or camp, or factory, 

Those animals that we term men. 

It is his will directs this training, 

And when what fills the heart flows forth, 

They note the absence of his will-power 

Far more than presence of his love. 

A wise man will not let his fellows drain 

His veins of life-strength, to augment 

Their own strength, till assured that this 

Will not be turned against himself. 
Upson. (To NellJ 

What, you here, Nellie? 
Nell. Going home? 

Upson. Not right away. 
Nell. Then soon, I hope. 

You know the party — 



I «f /* 



12 Classes and Masses or Ned and Nell. 

Upson. Yes, I do,— 

The party I care most to please. 

But I shall soon be back. If not, 

And find the buggy ready for us, 

Will find a boy to fetch you round. 
Exit — Left Upper — Upson. 

Nell. (Taking a book from her pocket, and begin- 
ning to talk to the Doctor, who, however, 
soon leaves.) 

I hope that he will be back soon, 

How I should hate to be a man ! — 

Men measure all a day is worth 

By work that they can do in it. 

Just think ! — One might as well say skies 

Were made for clouds, and not for suns, 

Or years for winter, not for summer; 

Or plants for thorns, and not for roses ; 

Or life for men, and not for women: 
Exit — Left Second — Doctor. 

Or lips for drinking; not — tut, tut! — 

A day's worth measured by its work! — 

As if a man's day were a donkey's. 

Our donkey takes his pleasure on the farm 

Exactly once a year ; so papa. 
Enter — Left Upper — Ned. 
Ned. (Aside, as he looks back toward Left Upper 

Entrance.) 

I dodged him pretty well, I did. 

I wasn't going to run away 

And not warn Reddy of his danger. 

(Looking tozvard Right Second Entrance.) 

He'll be here in a minute more. 

(Looking back toward Left Upper Entrance.) 

Hello! the cop again! — I'll cheese it. 

(Dodges behind a pillar on the porch.) 
Nell. (Jumping up startled.) 

Dear me! — And what do you want? 
Ned. Reddy. 

Nell. (To herself.) 

So this time papa has been prompt. 

(To Ned.; 

It's Ready? 
Ned. Yes. 

Nell. I'll go with you. 

Ned. With me. Miss? 



Classes a?id Masses or Ned and Nell. 13 

Nell. Yes ; you want me, don't you ? 

Ned. That might be, Miss; but yet you know — 

Nell. Well, I'll go with you. 

(Moving, as if to go toward Left Upper En- 
trance.) 
Ned. (Moving in perplexity to the front and left.} 

Would he want it? 
Nell. Of course. 

Ned. But why? 

Nell. (Laughing, and moving toward him.) 

Because he's ready. 
Ned. (Hesitating.) 

Because? — 
Nell. Why, he's my father, boy. 

Ned. (To himself.) 

Now wouldn't Unky have to scratch 

For dust for her to flower in, eh? — 

I see — she's crazy ! 
Nell. Don't I look it? — 

(Gesturing toward Left Upper Entrance.) 

Go on. I'm ready. 
Ned. She is Reddy! — 

I wonder what 'twas turned her head. 
Nell. Go on I'll follow. Go along. 

Ned. (To himself, as he moves back onto (he 

porch at the Left.) 

I can't have her a-tagging me. 

Just think how all the boys would guy me ! 

Now if she only was a boy — 

(Making motions as if preparing to fight.) 
Nell. (Out of patience.) 

Come, come, now ! Can't you see this, boy, 

That I'm not in a mood for fooling? 
Ned. (To himself, as he dodges away again.) 

They say all fools think others fools. 

She must be one. If I had bait 

To throw her, I could slip away 

While she was looking at it. — Oh ! 

I'll give her that new song of mine. 

No loss ! — I know it all by heart. 

(Taking a paper from his pocket and approach- 
ing her.) 

See here, Miss, don't you? — 
Nell. If he's ready,. 

Why don't we go to him? 



14. Classes and Masses or Ned and Nell. 

Ned. Why, Miss, 

Because he's here? 
Enter — Right Second — Reddy. 
Nell. Who's here? 

Ned. Who?— Reddy. 

Nell. The boy's insane ! — 
/Ned approaches her, holding out the manuscript.) 

No; go away. 
Reddy. Here Ned, you rascal ! — Keep away. 

You musn't frighten her. 
Ned. She's mad. 

Reddy. You made her so. 
Ned. I think 'twas you. 

She told me she was Reddy. 
Nell. Well, 

I am. 
Ned. There, there, now — don't you see? — 
Reddy. A mere mistake. (To Nell) It's me, Miss, 
me, 

It's / am Reddy; and the boy 

Was looking after me. 
Nell. (Bewildered.) It's you 

Are ready? 
Rfddy. That's my name. 

Nell. (Laughing.) Oh, yes ! — 

I thought the boy had come from papa, 

And meant to say that he was ready 

To take me home — That is a joke! 
Reddy (To Ned, who passes across the stage, and 

stands at his side.) 

Was frightened, — don't you see it ; Ned ? — 

And she's the master's daughter, too. 
Ned. I didn't mean her any harm. 

I dodged behind that pillar there 

(Pointing to porch.) 

To cheese it from the cop. That's all. 

He searched me, Reddy, for that bomb. 

Here, let me have it. He'll search you. 
(Ned tries to take bomb from Reddy. Reddy pre- 
vents him, and pushes him off.) 
Reddy. I'll tend to that, myself, my lad. 

What was it you were doing? 
Enter — Left Second — Doctor. 
Ned. (Showing the manuscript.) Why — 

I hope you will excuse me, Miss — 



Classes and Masses or Ned and Nell. 15 

(To ReddyJ 

She seemed to want to tag on so; 

And I ain't nothing for a tug-boat. — 

.• guessed she must be crazy — so 

I thought that I would give her this; 

And, while she looked at it, vamose. 
Reddy. What is it? 
Ned. Why, a song, — a ringer ! 

Will call the crowds out like a fire-bell! — 

A new song, too ! 
Doctor. Where did you get it? 

Ned. (With assumption.) 

'Twas written by a friend of mine. 
Nell. (Interested.) 

You've poets for your friends? 
Ned. Oh, yes !— 

They're friends of everybody. 
Doctor. (Taking the song from him.) Are they?— 

You say he wrote this for you? 
Ned. Yes. 

I saw it come. 
Doctor. You saw it come? 

Ned. I did. 

Doctor. How so? 

Ned. (Running his fingers through his hair.) 

Why, firstly so : 
Doctor. (To NellJ 

That was the plowing of the soil. 
Nell. (Laughing.) Much soil there? 
Ned. You may bet your life ! 

Doctor. And is that all you saw? 
Ned. Oh no ; 

Then this : (Scratching his head.) 
Doctor. (To Nell J The planting of the seed. 
Ned. Then so : (Rubbing his head.) 

Doctor. (To NellJ The covering of the seed. 
Ned. Then so : (Walking up and down whistling.) 
Doctor. (To NellJ The spring wind blowing 

on it. 
Ned. Then so : (Shaking his fist, and striking 

dozvn.) 
Doctor. (To NellJ The storm that came to 

strike. 
Ned. Then so -.(Humming, while beating time with 
his fingers.) 
Humph, humph, humph, humph, humph, humph ! 



i6 Classes and Masses or Ned and Nell. 

Doctor. (To Nell.,) The breezes and the bees of 

summer. 
Ned. And last : (Flourishing his hand, as if writ- 
ing.) 
Doctor. (To NellJ The swinging of the sythe 

To clip the grain full grown and ripe. 
Nell. (Laughing.) And what, pray, is it all about? 
Doctor. (Looking at the song carelessly.) 

Not hard to guess, I think, — most likely 

What people all think most about? 
Nell. What's that? 
Doctor. Themselves. 

Ned. He said true poets,. 

They always think what most men think. 
Doctor. Yes, poets of his kind ! He meant, 

They write it out, perhaps. 
Ned. Oh, yes. 

They right it out when wrong. That's what 

He meant. 
Doctor. Humph! — Revolutionary? — 

Is meant to turn things round? 
Ned. (Beginning to dance.) Oh, yes — 

Turns me. 
Nell. (Holding out her hand toward the Doctor 

for the manuscript.) 

Let's read it. 
Doctor. (Handing the paper, which he has not 

read, to Nell.,) 

Oh, I think 

Most folks will not take in the sense. 
Ned. No ; I'll take in the cents myself. 
Nell. You sing for money then? 
Reddy. You see 

The factory closed, and closed his work — 
Nell. But papa says their doors are open. 
Reddy. But not for work from such as we. 
Nell. Why not? 

Reddy. We're working with our mates. 

They thought we shouldn't. That's enough. 
Doctor. I thought this country was a free one. 
Enter — Left First — a Messenger, and speaks aside 

to the Doctor. 
Reddy. (To Doctor.,) 

Oh now, you wouldn't have a man 

As free as that from others, would you? 



Classes and Masses or Ned and Nell. 17 

I wouldn't then. — The boy, I say, 

(Turning to Nell, as he sees the Doctor about 

to leave.) 

He lost his work, so took to this, — 

Sings every night now in a hall. 
Exeunt— Left First— The Doctor and Messenger. 
Nell. (To Reddy.; Oh, singing is his work 

then !— 

It must be easy work — mere singing! 
Ned. It's harder work that you might think. 

Some couldn't do it. I 

Reddy. (Patting Ned on shoulder.) 

That's the truth. 
Nell. You sing for me. I'll pay you too. 

(Taking silver coin from her pocket, and hold- 
ing toward Ned.,) 
Ned. (Looking at her hand.) 

You will? — Well it's the job I want. 
Nell sits on the porch. Reddy and Ned are in 

front of the Right Center. Music starts and 

Ned sings. Just as he begins, 
Enter — Right Second — a Workingman. He beck- 
ons to others behind him. 
Enter — Right Second — Other Workingmen. 
Ned. (Singing.) 

The time will come when money 
Will pay what work is worth; 
Will buy your task, and none will ask 

Your station or your birth. 
The right to earnings will be won 
By what a man himself has done. 

Oh!— 
The time will come, the time will come, 
The time will come when money 
Will pay what work is worth. 

(Ned dances.) ', 

(Workingmen wave hats and clap hands.) 

First Workingman. That's good. 

Second Workingman. And true! 

Third Workingman. Go on. 

Fourth Workingman. Go on. 

First Workingman. (Beckoning to others un- 
seen beyond Right Second Entrance.) 
Come here, come here, Ned Brown's a-singin' ! 



18 Classes and Masses or Ned and Nell. 

Ned. (Continuing.) 

The time will come when money- 
Will not buy one a crown — 
To lift a snob above the mob 
And keep all others down. 
For men, to inward worth alert, 
Will only bow to true desert. 

Oh!— 
The time will come, the time will come, etc. 

^Ned dances, and the workingmen sing over the 

chorus.) 

The time will come, the time will come, etc. 
First Workingman. It will that! 

Second Workingman. Give it to 'em again ! 

Third Workingman. Ah, you're the boy for us ! 
Fourth Workingman. Another! 

Ned. (Continuing.) 

The time will come when money 
Will not seem more than man; 

But hearts will yearn with all they earn 
To help all men they can. 

In rolls of honor in that state, 

Great love alone will make men great. 
Oh!— 

The time will come, the time will come, etc. 

Enter — Left First — before Ned has ended this 
stanza, Upson and Ives. Nell goes to join 
them. They stand on the porch. 

Workingmen sing the chorus: 

The time will come, the time will come, etc. 
(Ned moves to the back of the stage so as to lead 

the chorus.) 
Ives. (To Upson. ) 

I've known a slighter cause than that 

To be the starter of a mob. 
Upson. (Pointing tozvard the left, where are 

heard the sounds of an approaching horse and 

carriage.) 

And I have known a slighter cause 

Than that to end it. 
Ives. Might not be 

A bad idea ! 



Classes and Masses or Ned and Nell, ip 

(The sound of the carriage stops. Ives waves his 
hand to the left, zvhich he faces, as if giving 
directions.) 

Drive around; 
Then through them and disperse them. 

Nell. Oh! 

(She shrieks, runs toward Ned, and drags him 
' away from the rear of the stage, where he is 
singing and dancing, just as 

Enter — Left Upper — Horse and Carriage. 

Exit — Right Upper — Horse and Carriage. 

Exeunt— Right Center, Right Upper, Right Sec- 
ond — Workingmen. 

Ned. (To Nell.,) Oh, Miss, you saved me! 

Nell. Then I hope 

You'll prove a boy that's worth the saving. 

Ned. You think I can? 

Nell. I know you can. 

Ned. And what you say, Miss, must be true. 

Curtain. 



20 Classes and Masses or Ned a?id NelL 



ACT SECOND. 

Scene. — Sitting room in house of Mr. Upson, 
Backing at Center a fireplace; at Right Center 
a window, at one side of which is a desk or 
writing table, covered with papers, and over 
which is a mirror. In the drawer of this desk 
is a razor, and, to the left of the desk, a chair. 
Backing at the Left Center is a door, in or over 
which is a ventilator, closed by a small lid 
which, when open, is large enough to reveal a 
face behind it. This ventilator is used only in 
Act IV. At right of stage, near the place of 
Right First Entrance, is a full length mirror. 
Between the mirror and the Right Third En- 
trance, is a sofa. In the center of the stage is 
a table; on it a lighted lamp and a bell. Chairs 
are on both sides of this table. Another chair 
is between the Left Third and Left First En- 
trances. Entrances are by doors at the Right 
First, Right Third, Left Center (used only in 
Act IV), Left First and Left Third. At the Left 
First and Left Third are doors that can be 
bolted, and at the Left Third and Left Center 
are doors that have keys that can be removed. 

The curtain rising discloses Mr. Upson sitting at 
the left of the table in the center of the stage , 
reading a book bound in calf. 

Enter — Right Third — Nell, in evening dress. 
Upson. (Looking up.) 

Well, Nellie, is that you ? 
Nell. Yes, papa. 

Do I disturb your reading? 
Upson. No; 

No; no disturbance! — the reverse. 
(Motioning with his hand to have her sit in chair 

at right of table. She does so, at the same time 

drawing the chair behind table nearer his. He 

leans forward, looking at her.) 

I will continue reading. 
Nell. What? 

Upson. My poem. 

Nell. Poem ? 



Classes and Masses or Ned and Nell. 21 

Upson. Yes, I never 

Can see, or hear, or think of it, 
But that there seems to come from it, 
The subtle beatings of a rhythm 
That charms my heart, and makes it start 
New throbbings to keep time to them. 
If I were reading then out loud, 
I should begin, I know, to hum. 
Nell. (Affectionately.) 

Oh, you old humbug ! 
Upson. (Gesturing with his book.) 

Here's my prose. — 
It's bound in calf. My poem's bound — 
Nell. To be shelved — not so? 
Upson. Not so. — In cloth, 

And — say — in blue and gold, blue eyes 
And golden hair! 

(Placing his hand on the ribbon binding her 
hair.) 
Nell. (Drawing back coquettishly.) 

You old boy-beau! — 
You like the book because you like 
It's binding. That's behind its back. 
Why don't you like its leaves? — I'm sure 
You do. 

(Rising and bowing.) 
You like its — taking leaves. 
Upson. (Motioning her to sit down.) 

Oh no. 
Nell. (Sitting down, and crossing her hands.) 

Shut up, at least, then? 
Upson. No; 

I like it by my side and open. 
Nell. Then always when it's by your side. 

For then, you know, it's always open. 
Upson. I know you mean to have it so. 

But' let me tell you, child, two things 
A wise man never boasts about, — 
His probing fully to their depth 
A poet's meaning, or a maid's, — 
The sweeter poem of the two. 
Nell. But, papa, I've no single thought, 

But I could tell you all of it. 
Upson. I know it, darling. Let me see. 

You're just sixteen, not so? 
Nell. Next month. 



22 Classes and Masses or Ned a?id Nell. 

Upson. And some have had then just how many — 

(Counting on fingers.) 

Say — six times sixty times sixteen 

Sweet nights in which to dream about you. 
Nell. (Playfully.) 

That's very complimentary ! — 

They like me better when their eyes 

Are shut, you think? 
Upson. Not that ; but when 

Their eyes are open, then they see 

So much besides that they don't care for. 

It's only when the eyes are shut 

The soul can wholly live with those 

It wholly likes to live with. 
Nell. Oh !— 

I wish that you would keep your own shut, 

When thinking about me. 
Upson. (Smiling.) 

You do? 

I hardly think I could, my dear. 

Or— well— I think I'll put it, should. 

In such a party as we'll find 

To-night, for instance, do you think 

I ought to keep my eye shut, eh? 

You know that you are not "out" yet. 
Enter — Left Third — Doctor. He goes to the desk 

at Right Center, and seems searching for a 

paper. 
Nell. You mean not out, yet, of your sight. 
Upson. At least, ought not to be — too young! 

If I were not a widower, 

I hardly should be justified 

In taking you so much with me. 

Yet that need make no difference, Nellie, 

If you but have a little caution, 

And not seem too much pleased to meet — 
Nell. I never could seem pleased to meet 

With disagreeable people, papa. 

Now there are all that Snubbins crowd, 

And then the Crowels — just like crows: — 

Are always dressed in black and croaking. 
Upson. Why, Nellie, they are at the top, 

The very tip-top, of society. 
Nell. Should think so! — like the tip-top house 

Upon Mount Washington. You know 

'Tis it because, just when you see it, 

You feel like freezing. 



Classes and Masses or Ned and Nell. 23 

Upson. You don't like them. 

Nell. No: I like people like the Smiths. 
Upson. A very common family! — our's 

The very commonest of the common. 
Nell. What? 

You really want to have me like 

The Crowds and the Snubbinses? 
Upson. Why, yes. You must remember, dear, 

What's due to our position. 
Nell. (Half impertinently.) What? 

Upson. (Noticing the presence of the Doctor.,) 

I think your uncle here could tell you, — 

To keep from slipping down from it, 

To pay it the respect we owe it; 

And not let people none respect 

Stand here besides us. 
Nell. None respect? 

Upson. None in society, I mean — 

The kind we go in. So, for it, 

We must be careful. 
Nell. Yes, I see: 

Doctor. We always must be full of care, — 

When poor, for fear the rich will harm us; 

When rich, for fear 'twill be the poor. 
Upson. (To Nell.,) My care's for your sake, not 
for mine ; 

For, ever since your mother died, 

And our poor boy, your twin, poor Ned, 

Was stolen from us, it's been you 

For whom I've chiefly thought in all 

I've planned or done. 
Nell. (Evidently touched.) 

I know it, papa. 
Upson. And so it's natural I should want 

To see you fill the place in life 

That I have gained for you. 

Nell. Yes, but 

Doctor. Don't butt at sheep. Your father means 

To say society are sheep 

That always follow leaders. 
Nell. Yes. 

Doctor. And so, if you keep near the leaders, 

Society will follow you. 
Nell. The Smiths are just as good as we are. 
Doctor. Yes, that is true; but are they better? 
Nell. We ought to go then with our betters? — 

What if all others did the same? 



24. Classes arid Masses or Ned and Nell. 

Doctor. Well, fortunately for the few, 

The others usually are fools. 

The truth is, others look at you 

In just the way you look at them. 

Look up and they look up to you. 
Nell. Come, come, now uncle ! — You believe 

All that? 
Doctor. Can't come. I must be off. 
Exit — Left First — Doctor. 

Nell. (To Mr. Upson.,) If I look very sweet at 
folks, 

Will they look very sweet at me? 
Upson. I think they will, my dear. 
Nell. And if 

They talk, too, sweetly as they look, 

What shall I take them for? 
Upson. For those 

Your papa also ought to look at. 
Nell. (Playfully.) 

Not shut his eyes to? 
Upson. No; too often 

'Tis those who bring us honied words 

Leave stings behind them when they leave us. 
Enter — Left Third Entrance — Ned, wearing a 

newsboy's cap, with newspapers in his hand. 
Ned. An extra, sir? 

('Upson and Nell are both startled, and rise.) 
Upson. (To NedJ Should think you were! — 

How came you here? 
Ned. Along the street. 

Upson. But how did you get in? 
Ned. I walked. 

Upson. I mean who let you in? 
Ned. Don't know. 

Upson. The servant let you come up here? 
Ned. Didn't ask her. 

Upson. No? — She should have stopped you. 

Ned. She tried to. 

Upson. You came by her, then? 

Ned. No; by myself. — An extra, sir? 

I thought as how you — you might like it. 
Upson. We send for extras when we want them. 
Ned. (Walking behind Upson, tozvard fireplace.) 

Just what the servant said. 
Upson. She did? 

You've had one warning then. Now go. 
Ned. You didn't know how you wanted this. 



Classes and Masses or Ned and Nell. 25 

Upson Your impudence would teach me, eh? 

Ned. (Aside to Nell who like him is now at right, 
and who is looking at him sharply.) 
Yes, I am Ned. I came to help you. 

("Upson looks at Ned sternly.) 

Nell. Say, papa 

Ned. (To UpsonJ 

I thought that she might like 

Upson. (To NedJ 
Stand back there. 

("Nell draws back from NedJ 

Ned. (Looking at Nell, then at UpsonJ 

She is standing back. 

Upson. (To NedJ 
Stand back yourself. 

Ned. No use now, Mister. 

She's far enough away. 

Upson. Look here. 

Ned. (Looking at UpsonJ 
Yes, I'm a looking. 

Upson. (Pointing to Nell J 

Don't you see 
Your dirty hands would soil her dress? 

Ned. No, not by looking that way. 

Upson. Look 

Around you then, and always do it. 

Nell. (To UpsonJ 
He wouldn't touch me ! 

Ned. (Slyly gesturing with his papers.) 

No? — Some things 
Look better for an extra touch. 

Upson. (To NedJ 
You little imp ! 

Ned. (To Upson.) See her now, Mister, 

You think I would have come in here, 
Except with something that you wanted? 

Upson. (Taking five cents from his pocket and 
handing them to Ned.) 
All right, boy, let me have it then. 

Ned. Five cents ! — I guess ! — Humph ! — give me 
fifty. 

Upson. (Pointing to door, at Left Third En- 
trance.) 
Clear out, you little scamp, clear out. 

Ned. (Moving tozvard door, at Left Third En- 
trance.) 



26 Classes and Masses or Ned a?id Nell. 

All right! but you can't say, you know, 

You wasn't warned. Good bye. 
Upson. (Moving toward him as does Nell.,) 

Come back. 
Ned. Why, I had almost gone clean out ! 

(Looking at his extra.) 

It's worth a good deal more to you. 
Upson. Let's have it. 

(Takes money from his pocket and hands it to 
Ned, who pockets it, and hands him the extra. 

Upson opens the paper and reads.) 

Upson's factory 

Surrounded by a mob ! — in flames ! 

("Upson and Nell both look alarmed.) 

Ned. I thought that you would like 

Upson. Don't like it 

Why didn't you tell me this at once? 
Ned. A boy as knows no more than I, 

Just to get even with the world, 

Has got to charge for what he does know. 
Upson. (Advancing and shaking fist at NedJ 

You little swindler! 
Ned. (Dodging to right, and passing behind to 

right of stage.) Business, Mister. 

'Twas worth as much as fifty cents 

To leave the others fellows' fun 

And come and tell you of it. 
Upson. (To Nell.) Strange. 

They hadn't sent me word of this ! 
Ned. You think it strange, eh, Mister. 
Upson. (Angrily and pointing toward door.) 

I do. 

And stranger still that you don't leave. 
Ned. (Sitting on chair near window backing at 

the Right Center, at the same time placing his 

newspapers on the small table near same win- 
dow.) 

Well, haven't I done you one good turn? 
Upson. (Advancing rapidly toward Ned, then 

aside, as he checks himself.) 

There's meaning in this impudence. 

(To Ned.; 

You have, my little man. — What else? 
Ned. You're talking now! If I was big, 

You would have asked before. 



Classes and Masses or Ned and Nell. 27 

Upson. I see. 

And as you are a little man, 

You're making up in style your lack 

In substance. Humph! You ought to be 

That paper's editor, not seller. 

You think a fool in cap and bells 

Is not so big a fool as he 

That never wears the cap and bells, 

Yet wants to get the world's attention. 

Go on, boy, I will listen. 
Ned. (Looking significantly toward Nell.,) 

But— 
Upson. (To Nell.,) 

Suppose 

You leave us, Nellie, for a little. 
Exit— Right Third— Nell. 

Well, boy. 
Ned. Now, you'll not give me 'way. 

Upson. Not I. 
Ned. Because, you see this, Mister, 

A little fellow must hang on 

To someone. I've been tailing them. 

But when that beastly crowd was coming 

Where you and she lived all alone, 

I vowed to make that tail a switch 

To lick them back with. 
Upson. What? — You say 

They're coming? 
Ned. Coming here to-night. 

Upson. The crowd? — What for? 
Ned. To break in here. 

Upson. My house? — What for? 

Ned. Well, chiefly, Mister, 

Because they're drunk; and when they're drunk 

Men always stumble into something. 

Besides they're strikers. 
Upson. So must strike 

At something, eh ? — at my poor girl ! 

'Tis true I'm in the company. 

But I've been absent all the year, 

And half the men who've struck don't know me. 

The others know I've been their friend. 

The fools ! — to seek for favors thus. 

A man who's struck at will strike back. — 

How long before the crowd will be here? 
Ned. Oh, two hours yet. — I took the train. 



28 Classes and Masses or Ned and Nell. 

Upson. We'll go for the police. Come with me. 

There may be errands. 

(He opens the door at Right Third and speaks 
to Nell.,) 

Nellie, I 

Am going out. While I am gone 

You change your party dress — no use 

For that to-night — and wrap up, too, 

Your night dress. We are going off. 
Enter — Right Third — Nell. 

Nell. Yes, papa, but 

Upson. No time just now. — 

Will tell you why when wey get back. 
Exeunt — Left Third — Upson and Ned. 
Nell. (Alone.) 

What can it mean? — They left the extra! 
(Takes extra from table, zvhere it has been left 

by Upson, and reads it.) 

Here — what ? — Yes — "Upson's factory 

Surrounded by a mob — in flames— 

The strikers organized — the streets 

Controlled by anarchists." — I see — 

Is danger of their coming here; 

And Ned— he must have told him that. 

Quite strange— how much I like that boy ! 

But what is that?— 
(Confused noises of men outside, calling for help.) 

Is papa's voice. 
(Rushes toward Left Third Entrance and stops.) 

Are fighting ! They are in the hall. 

(Runs to Right.) 
Exit— Right Third — Nell, closing the door after 

her. 
Enter— Left Third— Ned. 
Ned. I'll lock the door behind me — there! 

(Locks the door and pockets the key.) 

Them fellows must have followed me. 

The boss is sure to think I trapped him. 

What foul work! — tackling him behind. 

Well, it will take the two to hold him— 

Will not be back soon — give me time 

To save the lady. 
(Crossing stage to Right Third Entrance, then 

whispering through key-hole.) 

Say, Miss Upson, 
Nell. (Whispering back through key-hole.) 

Who is it? 
Ned. Ned. 



Classes and Masses or Ned a?id Nell. 2p> 

Nell. Oh, go away f 

Ned. I want to help you — on my life. 

Nell. And where is papa? 

Ned. Not come back. 

Nell. Why not? 

Ned. (Aside.) 

Will make her come out now. 

(To Nell.; 

He cannot. 
Nell. (Anxiously.) 

Tell me — is he hurt? 
Ned. (Aside.) 

Now, I'll keep still. To girls, you know, 

It's awful strange when one don't talk. 
Nell. Why don't you answer me? — You must. 

It's cruel of you, not to tell me. 
Ned. (Aside.) 

Girls take to talking naturally. 

If she keeps this up, she'll forget 

Her fright. She'll seem so natural. 
Nell. Ned, Ned! 
Ned. Yes, yes, I'm here. 

Nell. Say, Ned;. 

You must say papa isn't hurt. 
Ned. He's living yet. 
Nell. He is hurt then. 

Oh, I must see him, yes I must. 
Ned. To see him, you must go to him. 

And I've come here to take you there. 

Come out. I'll not come nigh you, Miss. 

I'll stay this side the room, I will. 

(Ned crosses to left of stage.) 
Enter — Right Third — Nell, holding a pistol in 

her hand, and pointing it. 
Nell. You may be made to. 
Ned. (Dodging behind chair at left of table.) 

Not your made 

Is what I'm most afraid of, no; 

But of your Miss. 
Nell. (Crossing stage in rear of Left Third En- 
trance, and trying the door there, finds it 

locked.) 

Oh, dear! what's this? 

Who locked the door? 
("Ned, still crouching behind the chair, takes the 

key from his pocket, and holds it up. Nell, 

evidently greatly frightened, says.) 

Oh, don't you hurt meT 



jo Classes a?id Masses o?' Ned and Nell. 

("Nell springs toivard table to get the bell. Ned 

jumps up, and snatches it first. Nell cries out 

in alarm.) 

Oh, help! help! help! 

Ned. Sh sh keep still ! 

Nell. You bad, bad boy ! — What shall I do ? 

You locked me in on purpose, 
Ned Yes 

To save you. Listen ! 
Nell. (Shrinking back.) 

Keep away. 
Ned. (Drazving back toward right, and changing 

his manner.) 

You're really then afraid of me. 

Why, I've been so afraid of you! — 

And hurt you? — I? — Not I, not I. 

Why, there are some things one can't hurt, 

Unless he wants to hurt himself. 
Nell. No, no; don't talk in that way to me. 

It isn't right. I know it isn't. 

(Wiping her eyes with handkerchief.) 
Oh where is papa? — Tell me that. 
Ned. I'll tell you all I can, I will. 

You see we went out doors, we two; 

And just as we had left the steps, 

Two men came up and took him off. 
Nell. What? — took him off against his will? 

("Ned bows.) 

If they could take him off, why then, 

Why they could kill him — They will kill him! 

^Ned shrugs his shoulders.) 

Oh, now, I see it; it was you, 

Was you that came to get him for them. 

(Lifts her pistol toward him.) 
Ned. No ; you are mean to say that, Miss. 

I came in here, because I knew 

The crowd was on the way to mob you ; 

And, living here so far from town 

Nell. Oh, yes, you thought of us, you did ! 

You brought those men to take off papa. 

(Pointing her pistol at him.) 
Ned. You lie! — Oh, Miss, forgive me — do. 

But you must hear me — yes — or else 

Why, I must make you — Oh, to think 

That I dare talk this way to you ! 
(Noises. Some one tries the door at Left Third 

Entrance. Ned runs toward it.) 

Sh.— What is that? 



Classes and Masses or Ned and Nell. 31 

Nell. (Running toward Right Third Entrance.) 

Don't let him in. 
Ned. Not I. (Looks through key-hole of the door.) 
There's only one of them. 

(To Nell J 

Give me your pistol. 

("Nell hesitates.) 

Don't you dare? 

(Looking toward the door, taking a jack-knife 

from his pocket and opening it.) 

He'll be here in a moment more. 
^Nell who is near the Right Third Entrance, 

bends toward floor, as if to place the pistol 

on it. 

Yes, leave the pistol on the floor, 

Then dodge behind the door, and lock it. 
("Nell leaves pistol on floor.) 
Exit— Right Third— Nell, locking door after her. 

Ah, now, at least, there's hope! 
("Ned rushes across stage, seises pistol and cocks 

it, just as the door at Left First is opened.) 
(Enter— Left Third— a Boy not much larger than 

NedJ 
^Ned yells as loud as he can.) 

Old Upson's folks have fled, you fool ! 

Our party got here first. Now leave ! 
(Ned fires at the Boy, who turns and flies. Ned 

follows after, shouting.) 

Come on ! Bob, Teddy, Jack, 

Come on! and drive them out! Come on! 
Exit— Left Third— Boy, followed by Ned. 
Enter— Right Third— after looking through the 

door slightly ajar, Nell. 
Nell. Oh, God, protect us. This is fearful. 

I never knew such dreadful things. 

Oh, dear, I hope that no one's hurt. 
(Steps heard outside Left Third Entrance.) 

Who's that?— I'll lock the door again. 
Exit— Right Third— -Nell. 
Enter— Left Third— Ned. He hurries across to 

Right Third Entrance and speaks through the 

key-hole. 

Ned. Don't be afraid now, Miss, he's gone. 
Was not a striker, anyway. 
T know him — sneak thief, yes; — 
Have locked the door behind him now. 



32 Classes and Masses or Ned and Nell. 

Your people must have left it open. 

You wait a minute. I'll go down 

And see the other doors are locked. 
Exit — Left Third — Ned. 
Enter— Right Third — Nell. 
Nell. Oh dear! I wish he hadn't gone 

And left me in here, all alone. 

He might have known I wouldn't like it. 

There may be others in the house, 

And they may hurt him. Just to think 

So small a boy and so much noise ! 

'Twas he that shot that pistol, yes. 

(Putting her hands to her ears.) 

I'm glad I wasn't in the room. 

He's got it yet. I only hope 

If he meets others, he won't shoot it. 

Oh there he comes ! I'll 

{Going toward Left Third Entrance, then to- 
ward Right Third Entrance.) 

No, I guess — 
Exit — Right Third Entrance — Nell. 
Enter — Left Third Entrance — Ned, and turns to 

lock the door. 
Ned. Ah, here's a bolt. I hadn't seen it. 
(Bolts door, crosses to Right Third Entrance, 

and calls through key-hole.) 

All right Miss Upson! All the house 

Is safe now. All the doors is locked; 

And here's your pistol on the floor. 

(Putting pistol on floor near Right Third En- 
trance.) 

I want to talk to you. Come out. 

I'll stay the other side the room. 

Come quick, please. It's important — very. 

(Goes to left of stage.) 
Enter — Right Third — Nell, putting her head out 

of the door. 
Nell. I want to thank you — 
Exit — Right Third — Nell. 
Ned. No thanks, Miss, 

I'm doing it half to please myself. 

You see it isn't every day 

I get a house like this to boss. 

Your father's left, and all the servants; 

And now I want it rid of you. 
Nell. (Pushing door at Right Third Entrance 

slightly open.) 

The servants gone? — all gone, you say? 



Classes and Masses or Ned and Nell, jj 

Nell. They've done just what you wanted me to. 

But I'll not serve you that way, Miss. 
Nell. You want, though, to get rid of me? 
Ned. Come out. I'll tell you what I want. 

(Waiting a moment then continuing.) 

Why don't you come? — You ain't afraid — 

Not now? — 
Nell. My papa always said 

I musn't trust in boys like you. 
Ned. He didn't say in boys like me — 

Though I don't blame you. — You're so young! 

But when you're older, Miss, you'll find 

It isn't honest folks that earn 

Their living, cent by cent, that prove 

Dishonest when they deal with you. 

They're not the kind your father meant. 

He meant the kind that never work 

For what they get; but live by filching 

What others work to get. Their hands 

Are not like mine; not hard, but soft. 

They slip around you like a snake, — 

The sneaks ! I'm not a boy like that. 
Enter — Right Third — Nell, and crosses stage in 

direction of Ned. 
Nell. I know it, Ned, forgive me. 
Ned. (Dodging, and passing to right of stage, 

while she passes to left of it.) 

No; 

I'll not forgive your following me. 

Keep back. I'm here between that crowd 

And you ; and I'll die game before 

One finger in it touches you. 
Nell. (Passing to right of stage, while he dodges 

again and passes to left.) 

But you 

Ned. I'm one of them. Keep back ! 

You know your father wouldn't like it. 

Sit down there. — Sit just where you are. 

(She sits in chair near Right Third Entrance. 
He speaks aside, at left.) 

I've got to ask her to swap clothes ; 

And I know what she'll do. She'll think 

That I'm a dirty little thief. 

Or, if she don't, 'twill be because 

She trusts me almost like a brother. — 

By gosh! But just to think she might! 



j 4 Classes a?id M asses or Ned and Nell. 

^Nell, while he sits in chair to left of table.) 

Now you sit there, and I'll set here 

And play 

Nell. Young gentleman? 

Ned. You think 

I could? — Thanks, Miss, I thought of playing— 

Well, something else you may not like. 
Nell. What's that? 
Ned. Old gentleman. 

Nell. (Shaking her head.) 

Don't look it. 
Ned. I'll act it. Don't you know my poet — 

The one who writes my songs — he says 

" 'Tis not the rolling of the years 

That leaves men oldest; but their jar. 

A few find places made for them; 

But some are never placed, and all 

The tally of their score is marked 

By scratches kept upon themselves. 

A boy that life has knocked about 

Is older, sometimes, than a gray-beard." 
Nell. How old are you? 

Ned. Fifteen, and you? 

Nell. I'm just the same. 
Ned. No older, eh? 

Why, then, I needn't mind you, need I? 
Nell. I couldn't have guessed you were so old. 

You're awfully small. 
Ned. Well, you'd be small, 

If you'd been starved and pinched as I have. 

Now hark ! We've got three things to save, — 

This house, your father, and yourself. 
Nell. You think there's really danger then 

For papa? — From the way you acted — 
Ned. He'll not be safe if we stay here. 
Nell. (Rising.) 

Let's go. 
Ned. Go now, and leave the house? 

Nell. We'll have to. 
Ned. (Rising.) 

I'll not leave the house. 
Nell. Why not? 
Ned. Because it's yours. Besides 

(Strutting around.) 

I like the fun of playing boss ; 

And I don't often get a chance. 
Nell. We're going to stay? — Why, papa said 

That I must go? 



Classes and Masses or Ned and Nell. 35 

Ned. Why not? — I would, 

If I was you. 
Nell. And leave you here? 

Ned. Say, Miss do you suppose I steal ? 
Nell. Indeed I don't. But how am I 

To go out in the dark alone, 

When all the streets are full of men? — 

You know I never could do that. 
Ned. (Sitting on chair near Left Third Entrance.) 

Oh yes you could. 
Nell. (Sitting on sofa near Right Third En- 
trance, and beginning to cry.) 

No, no. How could I? 
Ned. (Rising, and then sitting in a chair to the 

left of the center table.) 

By thinking of your father, Miss. 

A man can do a deal of things 

By thinking how much some one needs them. 
Nell. But papa doesn't need this? 
Ned. Yes. 

He needs to have me save his house; 

And save you too, and needs a message 

Sent off to fetch the cops to help me. 
Nell. But you can do this. 
Ned. No; I can't; 

And stay here, too; and I can't take 

A Miss like you along the street 

To-night. 
Nell. You can't? 

Ned. Not safely; no. 

Nell. (Rising, wringing her hands, and crossing 

toward the left.) 

Dear me ! I want to go to papa. — 

But if you couldn't keep me safe, 

Why, what could / do, all alone? 
Ned. (Rising.) 

Miss Upson, I can't bear to say it, — 

There's only one way out for you. 
Nell. What's that? 
Ned. (Aside, walking toivard the Right.) 

I'd rather fight ten men. 
Nell. (Overhearing him, and moving rapidly to- 
ward him.) 

Is it so dangerous as that? 
Ned. Oh, no; not dangerous! 
Nell. , You said 

You'd rather fight ten men. 



j6 Classes and Masses or Ned and Nell. 

Ned. I would 

Nell. Oh dear me! I shall never see 

My papa, never, never, never ! 
Ned. Yes, yes, you shall, you shall ! You see, 

Miss Upson, you and I, you see, 

Must — well — change places. 
Nell. (Perplexed) 

Places ? 
Ned. Yes — 

(Gesturing tozvard her, then toward himself.) 

Must get myself in your place there, 

And you in mine. 
Nell. (Gesturing toward him, and herself in same 

way.) 

I there, you here? 
Ned. No; that's not what I mean. 

(Aside.) 

By gum I 

It must come out now I suppose. 

(To her.) 

I mean that I must get inside 

Your — what-you-have — and you in mine. 
Nell. My what-you-have? 

Ned. I mean your rigging. 

Nell. My rigging? — what? — 
Ned. Oh, well, your clothes! 

Nell. (Shrinking back a little.) 

Oh dear! 
Ned. I know. We've got to, though. 

It makes you creep all over, Miss. 

But then you'd feel more creepy still, 

If you was killed. 

Nell. Yes, yes, but I 

Ned. (Hesitatingly, and looking down at his 

clothes.) 

We poor boys have to work. We can't 

Be dudes ; and on the outside — yes — 

But then, you know, it may be worse 

Than on the inside. Water's cheap. 
Nell. (Impulsively moving tozvard right of stage 

where Ned is.) 

I know it is. 
Ned. (Motioning her off with hand, and moving 

in rear of stage over to the left of it.) 

No ; keep away. 

Your father wouldn't like it. 



Classes and Masses or Ned and Nell. 37 

Nell. (Turning about and facing Ned who is at 

left.) 

Yes, 

He would, if it were necessary. 
Ned. And will you put my clothes on, Miss? 

You know with these on, and at night, 

There's none would take you for yourself. 

Nell. But if 

Ned. No if about it, Miss. 

Nell. Some man might want to speak to me, 

And what should I do then? 
Ned. Why, run. 

Then they would know you was a boy. 
Nell. He might run after. 
Ned. I should smile ! 

There's none want boys as bad as that. 

They don't run after them. We boys 

Are thick as paving stones, and used 

Like them to tramp on. There's no rush 

For us, except to rush us off. 

Ah, Miss, you'll have a lark in these. 

The lark keeps flying and is safe. 
Nell. And what will you do? 
Ned. I ? — Stay here ; 

And hold receptions for the roughs. 
Nell. You arn't afraid of them? 
Ned. Oh no; 

You know, Miss, I'm a rough myself. 
Nell. But they might hurt you. 
Ned. Don't you fear ! 

Men squeeze a lemon for its juice. 

There's nothing one can ever have 

That always keeps him quite so safe 

As having nothing. 
Nell. But you said 

That you would save this house. 
Ned. I'll try it. 

Nell. But how? 
Ned. The whole thing hangs, I say, 

Upon your fetching of the cops. 
Nell. (Moving impulsively toward Right Third 

Entrance.) 

I'll go right off then. 

(Pausing, turning and looking at Ned J 

Must I?— Oh!— 



j8 Classes and Masses or Ned and Nell. 

Ned. Yes, Miss, I think you must — You get 

(Pointing toward Right Third Entrance. ) 

A dress and hat. That's all I want. 

And I'll go in, and put them on, 

And throw these out to you. And say; 

You get the shortest tail, you've got, 

For if I have to cheese it, that 

(Pointing tozvard her skirts.) 

Might trip me up, and leave me bagged. 
Nell. You wait a minute. 
Exit — Right Third — Nell. 
Ned. (To himself as he sits in chair to left of 

table, and looks at his ozvn clothes.) 
One thing's sure. 

I'll get the better of the bargain. 

Oh, I'll be elegant, I will! 

(Standing up, and looking at his legs.) 

Just think of these in pettycoats ! 

(Glancing in the full length mirror.) 

Ugh ! t'will be awfully rough on me 

If I don't make a pretty girl, 

And have to look there at myself 

The whole night long, perhaps — Jehokey ! 
Enter — Right Third — Nell, carrying hat and dress 

in one hand, and in the other underclothes 

which she first holds out toward Ned.,) 
Nell. (Aside.) I've got my nicest things for him ! 

Poor boy, he'll never have a chance 

To see another lady's wardrobe. 

I ought to make him think it nice. 

(To NedJ 

All ready! 
Ned. (Taking the underclothes.) 

These? — Why they're your doll-things. 
Nell. (Rather disgusted.) 

I don't use dolls. 
Ned. (Holding up drazvers.) 

These — pantaloons ? 
Nell. (Hurriedly.) Of course, 

You try them on. You'll see. 
Ned. I guess 

It's only them as tries them on, 

That's meant to see them. They're so small ! 

But say — I only need to make 

The outside right. I'll do that, too, 

In just a jiffy. 



Classes and Masses or Ned and Nell. 39 

Exit— Right Third— -Ned, carrying the clothes. 
Nell. I suppose 

His clothes are dreadfully coarse and heavy. 

Arid think! — I'll have to run in them. 

I'm glad, though, that I can run off; 

And running will seem natural. 

I wish that I could run away 

Before he saw me in them. Oh ! 

(Sitting in chair to left of table.) 

I do hope papa's safe. The thing 

That he'll fear most for, will be me.— 

He doesn't know of Ned! 
(Cap, coat, shirt, pants, drawers and boots are 

flung onto stage out of door at Right Third. 

Nell jumps up in great alarm.) 

Oh, dear! 
Oh dear!— an awful fright !— I thought 
The mob was breaking in ; but no ; 
It's Ned— the largest part of him. 
(Leaning down to pick up clothes, then shrink- 
ing back.) 
I hate to touch them. 
(Bending dozvn again.) 

No I dont. 
(Lifting the clothes slightly.) 
How warm they are ! 
(Letting them fall on floor.) 

Ugh!— It's so queer. 

(Sitting in chair or sofa nearest her.) 
It makes me almost faint. — No, no; 

(Rising and going toward the clothes.) 
For papa's sake !— Ugh !— Yes, I must. 

(Gathers up all the clothes and moves toward the 

left.) , f 

Exit— Left First— Nell, carrying the clothes. 
After an interval in which the orchestra plays, 
Enter— Right Third— -Ned, dressed in a short 
gozvn, with lady's hat in his hand. He advances 
on tip-toe, gazing around as if half ashamed to 
be seen. When in view of the full length mir- 
ror, he examines himself carefully, turning 
himself around so as to see his back and sides. 
Ned. No; I don't look so very bad. 

(Courtesying to himself in the mirror.) 

How do you do?— I'm pretty— well. 

(Moving his shoulders about.) 



4o Classes and Masses or Ned and Nell. 

To think I'm just where she has been! — 

Humph, hump ! it doesn't make me creep. 

I shouldn't call it that exactly. 
(Sitting down on chair to left of table.) 

I feel so awfully soft and sweet, 

If I could always be in these, 

Should like myself to be a girl, 

And just sit still and hug myself, 
(Twisting his shoulders, then suddenly thrust- 
ing out his feet.) 

And yet it makes your legs cold — Boo ! 
(Suddenly drawing his feet back and crossing 

them.) 

No wonder that the girls sit so ! 

No wonder, too, they like to dance ! 

I guess I'll warm my own up, that way. 
(Orchestra plays. Ned dances before the mirror.) 
Nell. (Thrusting her head out of the door at Left 

First Entrance.) 

What are you doing? 
Ned. (Pretending to hide behind chair to right of 

table.) 

Playing girl. 

Come out. 
Nell. You look the other way. 

Ned. (Crossing tozvard Left Front Entrance.) 

We aint got time for nonsense, Miss. 

Come right along. We both are sights. 

Let's have a free peep at each other. 
(Enter Nell, bashfully. Ned goes all around, 

looking at her carefully, and adjusts her cap 

a little.) 

This here's my property, you know. 

If folks have got to think you me, 

I want to see how well you do it. 

All right, Miss! Now we'll hurry up. 
(Ned goes to the Left Front Third Entrance, un- 
bolts and unlocks the door, then turns, sud- 
denly to Nell as he points tozvard the right.) 
You got a back door? 
Nell. Yes. 

Ned. A door 

That opens on the alley? 
Nell. Yes. — 

Ned. Humph ! — Better go out that way then. 

In front you might run foul of some one. 

And take the door-key with you. 
Nell. Why? 



Classes and Masses or Ned and Nell. 4.1 

Ned. When you come back, you know, you'll 

want 

To let the cops in, if the crowd 
Is at the front. 
Nell (Thrusting her hand, full of jewelry at 

Ned.) 

I've got my jewels. 
Ned. And more than you can carry, eh? — 

Give me some then. 
(She holds out her hand. Ned takes jewels from 

it, and places them on table.) 

You leave them here. 

I'll keep them for you. Now we'll go. 
(Taking newspapers from table where they have 

been, and handing them to her.) 

Take these with you and try to sell them. 
(Nell opens door at Right First Entrance.) 

I'll see you safe outside the barn. 
Exeunt — Right First Entrance — Nell and Ned. 
Enter — Left Third — Thief, stealthily, first peep- 
ing through the opening door. 
Thief. Gone off? — and left the door unlocked! — 

I thank you. I suppose you thought 

I ran with Bill the time you shot him. 

I never run in front of pistols. 

I dodge one side, and flank my foe, 

And so, at last, my party wins. — 

Who are you anyway? — One boy, 

And two or three women, I suppose. 

I haven't heard a man's voice once. 
(Catching sight of jewels on table, and handling 

one of them, a breast-pin.) 

Whew ! — I should think you all were women. 
(Looking at breast-pin.) 

Real diamonds ! — Humph ! — You are a beauty. 

But hark. — Some one is coming. — Yes. 
Exit — Left Third — Thief, hastily carrying breast- 
pin. 
Enter — Right First — Ned. 
Ned. I saw her safe outside the alley. 

I'll put the jewels in my pocket. 
(Looking at jewels on table, then pocketing them.) 

There's not as many as I thought. 

She didn't leave them all here then. 

And now I'm going to hold the fort, 

And while I'm doing it, it's mine. 

Oh, I'm a prince, and here's my palace ! 
(Looking into the mirror.) 



42 Classes and Masses or Ned and Nell. 

And there's my bride there in the glass, 
And I can hug her in my arms. 
(Hugging himself.) 

'Twas mighty nice, though, in Miss Upson; 
And mighty nice, too, in her "papa" 
(Wiggling himself in his clothes, and looking 
ardund the room.) 
To feather this nice nest for me ! 
Humph, what a fool a fellow is 
For being jealous of the rich! — 
They want to seize this house and smash it. 
One only owns the thing he keeps. 
A man might think he owned the world, 
If everything he saw he tried 
To keep as safe as when he found it. 
(Looks at himself in a mirror.) 
With all these flashing lights around, 
Jerushy! What a forky place 
To practice my new song in ! Hy. 
(He sings.) 

The sun gives everything its light ; 

The mind gives everything its thought; 
And what we deem is dark or bright, 

Reflects but what ourselves have brought. 
That friend, the while his tribute clinks 

In hands he holds to help the world; 
That foe, from whom each neighbor shrinks 

When not returning blows he hurled,— 
Is just the thing he thinks. 

A college student with a bang, 

Who struts with open mouth about, 
And thinks, by slinging slaps of slang, 

His tongue can lick creation out; 
Whose mouth, if busied not with drinks, 

When asked what he has learned at school., 
Is kept as closed as if a sphynx, 

For fear to show himself a fool, — 
Is just the thing he thinks. 

A belle, made so by wiggling waist 

And tongue that never ceases wagging, 
Who wanted once to wed in haste 

But long has found all lovers lagging, 
And powders now, and paints and prinks, 

And stuffs the thin and straps the stout, 
For fear, through ways that ape a minx, 

The world, alas, may find her out, — 
Is just the thing she thinks. 



Classes and Masses or Ned and Neil. 43 

A man who lost a former bride 

And mourns her memory on his hat, 
A hat he gently waves aside 

That he may gaze more ladies at, 
The while for each he dives yet shrinks 

For fear all love that he can vow 
Behind that eye that winks and blinks 

Is hardly worth the having now, — 
Is just the thing he thinks. 

The politician who has come 

To know about the worth of votes, 

And treats men with reform and rum 
To soak their empty heads and throats; 

But while he raves and orders drinks 
Fears each policeman's fatal star 

May rise where his commission clinks 

And then demand it at the bar, — 

Is just the thing he thinks. 

The man who boasts a family tree, 

And great grandpas that came and went 
Which proves to all, the more they see, 

How great has been his own descent; 
And who from self-made people shrinks 

That now do what his grandpas did, 
Lest other men may see the links 

That bind to what he wishes hid, — 
Is just the thing he thinks. 

The gallery-bird with flying sleeves 

That tempt us here to shoot or shoo; 
The balcony-belle who half believes 

All music lures a beau to woo; 
The dear bald head that nods and blinks ; 

And each whose clapping bids us folks 
Repeat our notes like bobolinks 

Lest some may think he miss'd our jokes- 
Is just the thing he thinks. 

(After singing, Ned sits with his face to the 
Right on the chair at the Left of the table 
backing at Right Center. His shadow falls on 
the curtain of the window which is at the back 
of the stage behind the table.) 

Ned. Well, well, and what shall I do now?— 
I might, perhaps, be looking round. 

(Opens a drawer of table, looks in it, and takes 
from it a razor.) 



44 Classes and Masses or Ned and Nell. 

Hello ! 

(Feels the razor.) 

Good steal! — 
(Motions as if to put it in his pocket.) 

Should say it was, 
(Taking it from near his pocket and holding it 

up.) 

But I'm too little of a shaver. 
(Looking in mirror that is on the table, then at 

his own shadow on the window curtain.) 

I'll show it this way at the window. 

(Holds the razor in the position for shaving.) 

They might be watching me outside; 

Then I would seem so hairistocratic, 

They wouldn't dare to come in here ; 

No, no; would know how I could cut them ! 
(Makes motions of shaving, at the same time 

humming a tune.) 
Enter — Left Third — softly. Two Ruffians. 
First Ruffian. (To Second Ruffian, whisper- 
ing.) 

There's only one here. It's the girl. 
Second R. Good luck! We'll kidnap her. 
First R. Come on. 

(Just as they leave the door at Left Third, Ned 

sees them reflected in the mirror before him.) 
Ned. (To himself.) 

Ha! — What's that in the glass? 
(He starts from his chair, snatches the pistol 
that has been lying on the floor near Right Third 

Entrance, wheels around to the Left, facing 

the men, and cries to them.) 

You're fooled! 

Bob Gates, you're fooled! You don't want me. 
First R. (Draiving back.) 

Why, who are you? 
Ned. Ned Brown, you fool. 

Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha ! 
First R. (Shaking his fist at him.) 

But where's old Upson's girl, you whelp? 

What have you done with her? 
Enter — Right First — Policeman. 
Ned. (Pointing his pistol at the Ruffians, who 

start back.) 

I've saved her. 
Curtain. 



Classes and Masses or Ned and Nell. 45 



ACT III. 

Scene First: A City Street by night. Entrances 
Right and Left. 

Enter — Left — Nell, dressed as at the close of 
Act Second, in Ned's newsboy's outfit. 

Nell. They said they had just men enough 

To send for Ned, and save the house; 

And I must get my other men, 

To search for papa, at the station — 

Down that street somewhere ; but, oh dear ! 

Just where it is, I can't find out. 
Enter — Right — Ives. 

Ah, this Policeman here will tell me. 
Nell. (To Ives.,) 

Say Mister. 
Ives. (Roughly.) 

Well, well? 
Nell. (To herself.) 

I'm afraid 

The man will know I'm not a boy. 
Ives. Speak up — say what you want. — See here,. 

Don't come your monkey-shines on me. 

(Taking hold of Nell.,) 

Say what you want. 

("Nell bashfully turns away her head.) 

Why don't you speak? 

Humph ! — I have seen a sneak before ; 

And I know what it means. 
(Puts hand in her pocket, while Nell tries to 

get azvay.) 
Nell. Oh, don't! 

Ives. No; I don't think I will.— Aha ! 

(Pulling jezvelry from her pocket.) 

Here's jewelry. 
Nell. That's all my own. 

Ives. Oh yes, I know it. It will pay 

For board and lodging at the lock up. 
Nell. (Beginning to cry.) 

Oh, dear me! — I'm not what you think. 
Ives. Keep still, you little thief, keep still 

Or you'll get what will make you cry 

In earnest. 

(Lifting his club at her.) 
Enter — Left — Ned, in girl's clothes as at the end. 

of Act II. 



4.6 Classes and Masses or Ned and Nell. 

Ned. (To himself.) 

Was that she who cried? — 

By Jove it was. 

{To Ives.) See, here, you cop, 

You let that fellow there alone. 
Enter — Left — behind Ned, a Second Policeman, 
Ives. (Taking hold of Ned, but without letting 

go of Nell J 

Not that nor this — a pair of thieves ! — 

I'll search you. 
Ned. (Jerking azvay from him.) 

No you won't. 

("Second Policeman seizes NedJ 
Ives. Aha ! 

(To Second PolicemanJ 

Just see what's in her pocket. 
("Second Policeman takes jewelry from Ned's 

pocket.) 
Ives. There, 

I thought so. Now then for the lock-up. 
Ned. Wait, boss, a minute. Please just wait. 

That boy you've got there's not a boy. 

(Pointing to Nell.,) 

It's me's the boy. She's got my traps on. 
Ives. She has? Who's she? 
Ned. Old Upson's daughter. 

Second Policeman. Who's Upson? 
Ned. Him they's going to mob. 

They bagged her father at his house. 

I saw it, swapped our leggings, skipped 

Her off, and squatted till the cops came. 

You go with us to find her dad. 

I guess he'll know her soon enough. 
Ives. One wouldn't guess it now. Your tale 

Is too much like yourself. 
Ned. How's that? 

Ives. A dressed up fraud ! — Wise men don't trust 

The words of those whose works are lies. 
Exeunt — Right — Ives, Nell, Ned and Second 

Policeman. 

End of Scene First. 

Scene Second : A Bar-Room with bar, tables, 
chairs, prints on walls, etc.; meeting-place of 
the strikers. Entrances by doors at Right Third 
and Left Third. 

The curtain, forming the back of Scene First, 
rising, discloses Reddy and a rough-looking 



Classes and Masses or Ned and Nell. 4.7 

companion sitting at a table with beer before 
them. Jake stands at their left, with hat in 
hand or on head as if he had just entered. 

Reddy. You've made a pretty mess, I say. 

You're stealing men is just as bad 

As taking money. 
Jake. Well, it's done; 

And you can't block it now. They're coming. 
Enter— Right Third— In charge of Strikers, Up- 
son and the Doctor. Both have their hands tied 

and are gagged. The gags are removed, and 

they are seated. 
Reddy. (To himself in reply to the remark of 

Jake.,) 

And with them comes, as well, the loss 

Of all that we were fighting for. 

I'll free them. 

(To Jake, as he points toward the Doctor J 
What has he been doing? 
Jake. He would have gone and fetched the cops. 
Reddy. (To the Doctor J 

Be you a manufacturer? 
Doctor. (Nodding in assent.) 

A manufacturer of men, — 

A teacher and a preacher. 
Reddy. Oh ! 

Upson. (To JakeJ 

What do you hope for, keeping us? 
Jake. For favors. 

Upson. Then we're hostages? 

Jake. Yes, while you live you be. 
Upson. You threaten? 

Jake. If they shoot down our people 

Upson. Then? 

Jake. To yield to wrong, is not to fight it. 
Doctor. To double wrong, is not to right it. 
Reddy. And what would right it? 
Doctor. Doing right. 

Jake. (Pointing tozvard Upson. ,) 

Let him do right. 
Doctor. Let both of you. 

Jake. You're his man. 

Doctor. Hardly! — I am one 

Of those who look for times when all 

Will take more joy in sharing profits 

Than storing them. 
Reddy. A long way off! 



48 Classes and Masses or Ned and Nell. 

Doctor. I hope not. It would be so pleasant — 
So much more pleasant in the world 
To see around one everywhere 
Employees, all well housed, well clothed, 
Well fed, well educated ! When 
Men learn how pleasant that would seem, 
The labor-problem will be solved. 

Reddy. Yes, when 

Doctor. Oh, men will learn it yet ! — 

But not until both your employers 
And you yourselves have learned to think, — 
And so to trust in brain instead 
Of brawn. I tell you mind not muscle 
Is that which has the strength to make 
This old world better; and by mind 
I mean the whole mind, — thought and love 
And all that lifts above the brute, 
And gives one soul and fellow-feeling. 

Upson. And I have that — have worked beside 
them. 

Reddy. Yes, worked ! but when you come to rest, 
Don't want us — even in your churches ! 

(Looking at the Doctor as if he had made a 
point.) 

Doctor. Do you want him in yours, my man? 
What most men want the most, I think, 
Is being let alone ; and money 
Enough to buy the privilege. 

Jake. Then give us money. 

Upson. Give you money? 

A true man wants not alms but aid. 

Reddy. Then give us aid. 

Upson. I've given you all 

I ever had myself. 

Reddy. What's that? 

Upson. A chance to rise. I had no more. 
My savings made me what I am. 

Jake. A bad job, too, boys; let's avoid it. 

Upson. I made my money honestly. 

Jake. Oh, yes ; but tell me how a man 
As got his money honestly, 
Should be ashamed to own up how 
He got it, — outstrut, like a swindler, 
And English lord, as if he, too, 
Was hiding how some great grandfather 
Had stolen what belonged to others. 

Doctor. Oh now, my friends, you know a man 
May have an air about him 



Classes and Masses or Ned and Nell. 49 

Jake. Yes, 

And that which puffs up, makes a swell, 

Is bad air. — No good air in gas ! 
Upson. (To the DoctorJ 

They'll get the better of you, Doctor. 

They don't need words from us, but work. 

You can't train even a vine, unless 

It's working all the time itself. 

It's those whose work has earned them homes 

Will prize, and work enough to keep them. 

(Expressions of dissent on the part of the Strik- 
ers.) 

I'm saying what my life has proved. 

I worked as you do once, exactly. 
Jake. Did ?— Where ? 
Upson. In Sheffield. 

Reddy. England ? 

Upson. Yes. 

Reddy. What firm? 
Upson. John Rogers. 

Reddy. I worked there 

I never heard of Upsons though. 
Upson. My father died when I was young. 

My mother's father brought me up ; 

And all the folks that know him named 

Me after him, — Ned Ford. 
Reddy. (Aside.) 

Ned Ford? 

The father of my little Ned ?— 

I promised Brown, who stole the boy, 

That if I ever found Ned Ford, 

The man should have his boy again. 

I must — but I forget myself. — 

They half suspect me now. 
Jake. (Who, while Reddy has been speaking, has 

been impudently looking at UpsonJ 

You sent 

Bill Jones to jail. 
Upson. He broke the laws. 

Jake. And what of that? 
Doctor. Why, man, the laws 

Are rails that keep the world's great train 

Of civilization on the track. 

You break them, and you ditch the train, 

Check progress, baffle enterprise, 

And maim or kill the passengers. 
Reddy. It is the laws is maiming us. 



50 Classes and Masses or Ned and Nell. 

Upson. Then change them. You've the right. 
That's why 
I like this land. 

Doctor. If you're fair men, 

To win your race, you only want 
Fair play, hands off, and elbow room, — 
A clear track, and the right of way. 
That's what the law gives. 

Jake. Now you're preaching! 

Doctor. I am. You need it. While you're right 
In part, you're not in whole. On earth, 
Our souls are fastened where we find them. 
Our bodies, families, lands and laws 
Are frames in which we squeeze or slip 
To failure or success. What then? 
One thing, at least, is true. If heaven 
Have shaped the grooves we move in here. 
They move the best who move through them. 

(Enter — Right Third — a comrade of the Strikers.) 

Comrade. The blue coats on their way here ! run ! 
(All rise.) 

Reddy. (Aside.) 

I'll have a chance to free him now. 

(To the other roughs, as he pulls out a pistol 
and approaches UpsonJ 
Go on, boys, I'll take care of them. 

Exeunt — Left Third — Jake, and all except Reddy, 
the Doctor and Upson. 

Enter — Right Third — Ives and two other Police- 
men. They unbind the hands of Upson and 
the Doctor, and one Policeman is stationed 
at each door. Right and Left. After Ned and 
Nell enter, these Policemen go outside of the 
doors, evidently keeping guard still, but too 
far azvay to hear the conversation on the in- 
side of the room. 

Ives. (To UpsonJ Your name? 

Upson. Upson. 

Ives. (Holding his hand to Reddy who hands him 

the pistol that he has.) 

Yes, — and who is this? 
Upson. Their ringleader. 
Reddy. Don't say that, man. 

Upson. (To Reddy.,) 

I've always been a man of truth. 
Exit — Right Third — after exchanging words with 

Ives, the Doctor. 



Classes a?id Masses or Ned and Nell. 51 

Reddy. (Aside to Upson, anxiously.) 

I've something that I want to tell you. 
Upson. Then tell it to the officers. 

(Gesturing toward the policemen.) 
Reddy. I want to tell it you alone. 
Upson. Humph ! You'll not tell it so to-night. 
Reddy. It may be your last chance. 
Upson. And yours. 

Enter — Right Third — Ned and Nell, dressed as 

in the Scene First of this Act. 
Nell. (Hurrying to Upson. ,) 

Oh, papa, then you're safe ! you're safe ! 
Upson. (Embracing her, then drawing back, and 

looking at her clothes.) 

My daughter! What does all this mean? 
Nell. (Looking at her clothes.) 

They're Ned's. He saved me. 
Upson. You've been saved! — 

You look as if you had been lost. 
Ned. And Ned saved you too, and the house. 
Upson. He brought the police here? 
Ned. Oh, now, Mister, 

You think I'm strong! 
(Aside to Nell, as he looks significantly toward 

Reddy J 

Don't give me 'way. 
Upson. (To NellJ 

Did they arrest you ? 
Nell. Yes. 

Upson. I'm glad. 

Why didn't you stay at home? 
Nell. Why I, 

I left to call the police ; and he, 

He saved 

Upson. (Smiling.) 

Your clothes? 
Ned. (Disgustedly turning on his heel, as he moves 

toward ReddyJ 

No, no ; — the house ! 

I think that something. 

("Nell makes a motion as if to follow NedJ 
Upson. (To NellJ 

Stay here, Nell, 

And tell me everything about it. 
(Nell, Upson, and Ives apparently talk together 

at Right. Ned approaches Reddy.) 



§2 Classes and Masses or Ned and Nell. 

Reddy. (Aside to Ned J 

What you, Ned, you a traitor to us? — 

You fetched them here? — My blood may be 

Upon your head ! — may swing for this ! 

I've got that bomb here in my pocket. 

And if they find it on me 

Ned. (Making a movement toward Reddy's 

pocket.) 

Here, 

I'll take it.— Quick! 
(Ives looks around.) 
Reddy. Not yet. 

Upson. (To Ned.,) 

My boy ? 
Ned. (Aside to himself.) 

Before they search him, I must get it. 
Upson. (To NedJ 

We're going now. Come on, my boy, 

And get some supper with us. 
Ned. (Aside to himself.) 

Her father talking that way to me ! 

(Looking at Reddy.,) 

But no ; I've other work to do. 
Upson. (To Ned, who moves toward him though 
still watching Reddy.,) 

See here, boy, Nell's been telling me 

How well you treated her, and shrewdly. 

Look at me, boy. 
('Ned comes near him. He lays his hand on Ned's 

head.) 

I like your looks. — 

And what's your name? 
Ned. Ned Brown. 

Upson. Ned, Ned?' 

Your father living? 
Ned. No. 

Upson. Your mother? 

Ned. No. 

Upson. Brothers or sisters? 

Ned. No. 

Upson. Why then you're quite alone in life. 

You make me think of — well, no matter — 

(Apparently overcome by some emotion.) 

You mustn't think I have no heart. 

I've been a little rough with you. 

But you were rough with me, at first. 

You know we cant trust strangers always. 

And have to give back what we get. 



Classes and Masses or Ned and Nell. 5j 

This life's an ocean wild with waves ; 

And every soul that sails upon them 

Must beat and keep them down and off; 

Or else be swamped and sink in them. 

You know that, boy. You've seen hard times. 

(Looking steadily at Ned.; 
Ned. (Looking up at him.) 

You see that in my eyes ? 
Upson. Yes, Ned. 

The eyes are skylights of the soul. 

And I see better things for you, 

If you will but be true to that 

Which dwells within — your better self — 

And what it wishes, let it do. 
Ned. It's hard to do that, Mister. 
Upson. Yes ; 

Both hard and brave. 
Nell. He's awfully brave ! 

Upson. The bravest thing he's done to-night 

Has been to let his spirit rule him. 

(To NedJ 

You know that half the boys you go with, 

Will think you've been a fool, not so? 
Ned. She saved me from the horse. 

(Pointing to Nell.; 
Upson. But what 

Made you recall it? It was this. 

(Pointing to Ned's heart.) 

Ned, you're worth turning inside out. 

I was a poor boy once myself. 

I'm not so now. You come with me. 

I'll show you how I managed. 
Ned. (Looking furtively toward ReddyJ 

But 

I can't come with you now. 
Enter — Right Third — Policeman. Ives evidently 

orders him to prepare to take Reddy azvay. 

('Ned looks at them furtively.) 
Upson. Why not? 

Ned. I've friends. 
Upson. What friends? 

Ned. Old friends. 

Upson. You said 

You were an orphan. 
Ned. So I am. 

Upson. Who are your friends then? 

(He sees Ned looking toward Reddy.; 

Not these roughs ? 



34 Classes and Masses or Ned arid Nell. 

Ned. So you might call them. 

Upson. Do you mean 

That you would rather go with them 

Than me, and get my help, and rise? 
Ned. I wouldn't like to leave them out. 
Upson. I can't drag all the world up with you. 
Ned. And if I wish to go with you ? — 
Upson. Why, you must go with those we go with. 

I want to treat you like a son. 
Exeunt — Left Third — Policeman and Reddy. 

Ned moves tozvard the Left to follow them. 

Nell follows Ned. Ives holds open the door at 

the Right, motioning Upson to follozv him. 
Upson. (To Nell.,) 

Come this way, Nell, We're going now. 
Nell. (Looking toward NedJ 

But Ned. 
Ned. (Aside to Nell J 

No, no ; don't call me, don't. 
Upson. (To NedJ 

You're coming with us? 
Ned. (To Upson. ,) 

Not to-night. 
Upson. If you prefer the roughs, you're not 

The boy I thought you were. 

(TJpson talks aside with Ives J 
Nell. Say, Ned. 

Ned. (To Nell while he moves tozvard the Left.) 

Don't, don't. 
Upson. (To Nell J You coming? 
Exit — Right Third — Ives. Upson stands in the 

doorzvay at Right Third talking to Ives, and 

his back to Nell for whom he is waiting. 
Nell. (To Upson J Yes, yes ; right away. 
Ned. (Beckoning to Nell, who crosses tozvard the 

Left.) 

I've other work to do to-night. 

I wanted you to know it, Miss. 

I can't go with you. 
Nell. But you must 

(Pointing toward her father at the Right.) 

He's awfully stubborn when he's fixed. 
Ned. No, no ; I can't. Good-bye. 
Nell. Good-bye. 

But you — you'll come soon — Why you must — 

And get your clothes? 
Ned. Perhaps I may 

But I may not. Good-bye to you. 



Classes and Masses or Ned and Nell. 55 

Nell. Why, what are you so solemn for? — 

You must not leave us that way. 

(Moving tozvard him.) 
Ned. (Waving her off and pointing toward the 

Right.) 

No; 

Keep back. Your father's waiting for you 

To lead you home. Good-bye. Oh yours 

Is such a pleasant home ! 

Nell. And you? 

Ned. (With a body-gesture tozvard the Left while 

he holds open the door at the Left.) 

I have a guardian too that's waiting 

To lead me 

Nell. He? — and where? 

Ned. To jail. 

Exit — Left — Ned. 

Exeunt — Right Third — Upson followed by Nell. 



56 Classes arid Masses or Ned and Nell. 



ACT IV. 

Scene First : A City Street at Night. Entrances 

Right and Left. 
Enter — Left — Policeman and Reddy who wears 

handcuffs. 
Policeman. (To Reddy who seems to hold back.) 

Come on here, man. 
Reddy. Well, ain't I coming? 

(Aside.) 

I'm going to hold back some for Ned. 

Perhaps he'll find a way to help me. 
Enter — Left — Ned dressed as in the last scene, 

in woman's clothes. 
Ned. Oh father! father! father! father! 
Reddy. Why, that's my child! 

(Looking at Ned, and speaking to ReddyJ 
Policeman. Your daughter, eh? 

(To NedJ 

Well, what d'you want? 
Ned. (Throwing his arms around Reddy's neck, 

and pretending to cry, zvhile whispering to 

ReddyJ 

Which pocket? 
Reddy. Left. 

(Seeing Policeman looking at Ned who is pre- 
tending to whine.) 

Yes, left alone in this wide world ! 

(To Policeman who takes hold of NedJ 

You can't deny my child, her kiss? 
('Ned, unseen by the Policeman, takes the bomb 

from Reddy's pocket and puts it into his own 

pocket.) 
Policeman. (To Reddy, while he pulls at Ned.,) 

It's all agin the rules. Keep back ! 
Ned. (To Reddy, whispering.) 

You run the other way. 

(Deceiving Policeman by pretending to cry.) 

Oh, oh ! 
Reddy. (To PolicemanJ 

For shame ! Be gentle with her. 
Policeman. (Pushing Ned aside.) 

No; 

Keep back ! It's all agin the rules. 



Classes and Masses or Ned and Nell. 57 

Ned. (Running to Left, and turning around, zvhile 
Policeman and Reddy are near extreme Right.) 
It is! eh, eh? — Well, you look out, 
Or you'll go where there ain't no rules. 

/Ned pulls out the bomb from his pocket, and 
aims at the Policeman, who looks at Ned in as- 
tonishment. Reddy pulls away, and exists sud- 
denly at the Left. Policeman is starting to 
follow him, when Ned calls out.) 
If you run after him, I'll throw it. 

/Policeman dodges from Ned, then rufls toward 
him.) 

Exit — Left — Ned. 

Enter — Left — Another Policeman and Ned, whom 
the Policeman holds by the collar. 

Other P. (To First P.) 
What did she do ? 

First P. (Snatching the bomb from Ned's hand.) 
She threw this bomb. 

Ned. No, no; I didn't throw that bomb. 
Or else you wouldn't be here to tell it. 

Other P. What were you doing with it then? 

Ned. (Pointing to First PJ 

Was trying to lay pipes for him. 

(Aside.) 

The longer I can keep him here 

The further off they'll be from Reddy. 

First P. (Pointing to pipe.) 
Where did it come from? 

Ned. From my pocket. 

First P. And are there more there 

Second P. (Searching Ned's pocket.) 

No ; not them ; 
But something else, I guess. Aha! 
(Taking jezvelry from Ned's pocket.) 

First Policeman. (To Second PJ 
You keep it. I must catch the other. 

Exit— Right — hastily, First Policeman. 

Second Policeman. (To Ned, as he pockets the 
jezvelry.) 
Now what's your name? 

Ned. What's that to you? 

Second P. You'll have to give it to the court. 

Ned. Oh, now you're talking ! — going to court ! — 
I thought, when you were going to court, 
You wanted girls to change their names. 
Well, I am willing. I will do it. 

/Second Policeman takes Ned's arm, and moves 

tozvard Right.) 



58 Classes and Masses or Ned and Nell. 

And going to take my arm? — How nice! — 
Oh, yes, yes ; I'll go home with you. 
(Second Policeman lifts club.) 
You wouldn't strike a woman, would you? 
See here ! — I have a friend at court. 
You better be polite to me. 
Exeunt — Right — Policeman and Ned. 

END OF SCENE FIRST. 

Scene Second: The same as in Act II, the room, 
lighted in the same way. Curtain rising dis- 
closes Mr. Upson sitting at desk at Right Cen- 
ter, examining papers. 

Enter— Left Third — Nell in lady's house-dress.. 

Nell. Oh, papa, papa, Ned is here. 

Upson. Has come to get his clothes back, eh? 

Nell. Oh, no ; been brought by the police. 

Upson. What for? 

Nell. Because, they say, he asked it. 

Enter — Left Third — Ives with Ned in girl's 
clothes as in Scene First. Ives bows to Upson. 

Ives. He asked for you. We brought him here. 

Upson. Arrested? — Why? 

Ives. (Showing the bomb.) He had this bomb 

To throw at us. 

(Ned shakes his head.) 
Upson. If that be so, 

You should have taken him to jail. 
Ives. The jail is filled full by the mob; 

The boy too begged so hard for you, 

'Twas thought there might be something in it. 
Ned. Beg pardon, Mister — thought that you 

Might help 

Ives. (Taking jewels from his pocket, and hand- 
ing them to Upson.,) 

These, too, we found on him. 
Upson. (Looking at them, then at Nell.,) 

They're Nell's — But where's that brooch ? — You 

said 

Ned. I never saw no brooch. 

Nell. Why yes— 

(Nell and Ned talk aside, she pointing to table. 

Upson shrugs shoulders and looks at IvesJ 
Ives. We'll take your word, sir, if you wish. 

Upson. If he's been using dynamite 

Ives. He's but a boy. We're pressed for room — 



Classes and Masses or Ned and Nell. 59 

Nell. Oh, papa., do it. Let him go. 

("Nell and Upson talk aside at Right. Ives and 

Ned seem to be talking at Left J 
Upson. (To NellJ 

He might run off and not come back. 
Nell. And that's precisely what we want. 
Upson. And lose the brooch? 
Nell. He didn't take it. 

Upson. And dynamite? 

Nell. Oh, papa, now 

Ives. As our police are here to-night, 

They might 

Upson. (To IvesJ 

I see — Well, here's a place 

(Crossing stage, he opens door at Left Center, 
and motions to Ned to enter the closet there. 
Ned looks up. Ives takes him by the collar, and 
walks him into the closet. Upson shuts and 
locks the door, and hands the key to IvesJ 

You take the key too. 
Nell. (Protesting.) 

But 

Upson. No matter! — 

Can talk about that in the morning. 
Nell. (To UpsonJ 

But papa don't put him in there. 
Upson. (To NellJ 

It's just the place he needs now, Nell, 

To change his clothes in. Don't you see? 

Suppose you bring them back to him. 
Nell! (Aside.) 

This may be all a trick of papa's 

To set Ned free ! 
Exit— Right Third— Nell. 
Upson. (To Ives.) You say he threw 

That bomb of dynamite — the boy? 

Where was it? — and what for? 
Ives. To help 

That man we found you with — the one 

You called the ringleader. You see 

The boy, he waved the bomb, and then 

The policeman, why he dodged 

Upson Oh, yes \ 

The boy was his accomplice. Humph ! 
Enter — Right Third — Nell zvith boy's clothes in 

her hands, apparently the same as zvorn by Ned 

in Act II. 



6o Classes and Masses or Ned and Nell. 

Nell. I've brought them. 

("Upson takes them and, while Ives unlocks and 

opens door of closet at Left Centre, Upson 

throws clothes into closet.) 
Upson. Let him go to work then. (To Ned J 

And see you put them on you, quick. 
(Tves shuts and locks door of closet, putting key 

into his pocket. Nell draws Upson to front of 

stage and speaks to him anxiously pointing 

tozvard Ives.) 
Nell. And when he's gone, we'll let Ned out? 
Upson. Would that be honorable, Nell? 

Besides, he has the key, you know. 

(Pointing to Ives.) 
Exit — Left Third — Ives, after bowing to Upson. 
Nell. But papa, they'll send Ned to jail. 
Upson. He should be sent there. 
Nell. He's not bad! 

Upson. Arrested, carrying a bomb? — 

To have it with him was a crime. 

He threatened the police with it. 

That shows intent and seals the crime. 
Nell. But, papa, he had saved our house, 

And me, and you. 
Upson. Perhaps 'twas he 

That had me seized. He led me out, 

He knew the men that bore me off; 

And used that bomb to free one with. 
Nell. But why was he so kind to me? 
Upson. Was it his kindness got the brooch ? 
Nell. You mustn't think that way of Ned. 

He didn't ask me for the jewels. 

I gave them to him of myself. 

Why couldn't he have lost the brooch? 
Upson. We'll hope so ; but it's time, my child, 

That you and I were in our beds. 

At last, all's well. 
Nell. Yes, thanks to Ned. 

He told me, papa, that the man 

He used the dynamite to save 

Was his own guardian. 
Upson. Proof against him. 

It shows there was a plot between them. 
Nell. Ned ought to have defended him. 

Upson. Perhaps — but if he had such friends 

Nell. He couldn't hope for better ones. 

I see — was right to keep the old ones. 
Upson. Now good night, dear, good night. 



Classes and Masses or Ned and Nell. 61 

Nell. „ Good night. 

(Aside near Right Third Entrance.) 

I'll not say dear. He's almost mean. 
Exit — Right Third — Nell. 
Upson. (To himself, hesitatingly.) 

I'm sorry for the boy, — so young, 

Attractive — even despite the brooch. 
(Taking out his keys, and looking toward the 

closet.) 

Would not be just — but generous; 

And I should have my reasons. 
Enter — Left Third — Doctor. 
("Upson continues to the Doctor, pointing ta 

closet.) 

Locked 

The boy in there. 
Doctor. They told me; yes. 

Upson. Poor Nell, I fear he's turned her head. 

Why, in that grogery when they parted, 

She almost fainted; and, just now 

Doctor. 'Tis not so strange, that ! They were here,. 

Alone, together, and in danger. 

It brought him very near to her. 
Upson. And when a boy comes near a maid 

Just in her blushing bloom, she's like 

A ripe red peach upon a branch. 

One touch — she tumbles. Humph ! I see 

'Twas well Ned didn't accept my offer 

To take him in my house. They'll both 

Be better off, when he's been placed 

Where she'll forget him. 

(Putting his keys in his pocket.) 
Doctor. So you think,. 

Where Providence is on our side, 

It's never wise resisting it. 

(Going toward desk at Right Center.) 

But come : it's time you go to bed 

As we arranged. I've got to write 

This paper — and to-night. No use 

For both to sit up ! — with policemen 

Inside the house and outside too. 

Will call you when I'm through. 
Upson. You're right. 

Good night. 
Exit — Left First — Upson. 
Doctor. (To himself as he looks out of the win- 

dozv.) 

It's almost morning now. 

It's nearlv four o'clock. Well, well, 



62 Classes and Masses or Ned and Nell. 

The day'll come soon, and end the work 

Of thieves and angels and policemen. 

No, no, not of the latter, no ! — 

When suns begin to rise in heaven, 

The thieves fly down, the angels up, 

But the policemen keep their places. 

The watch of their blue forms below 

Is constant as the blue above ; 

And for the just, their stars are just 

As bright as its are. 
Enter — Right Third — Nell, looking toward the 

closet, then, seeing the Doctor, her mein 

changes. The Doctor notices her.) 

Ah, returned ! 

The angels haven't all flown up. 

It's night and dreamland yet, I see. 
Nell. I'm glad you're staying here. 
Doctor. (Looking toward the closet.) 

To watch 

That boy? 
Nell. Oh, that's why you are here ! 

(Going to the closet, and trying the door.) 

I thought the door was locked. It is. 

He's very small. So small, you think 

Could get out through the ventilator? 

(Coming toward the Doctor and taking chair 
at right of the center table, while the Doctor 
takes chair at left of it.) 

Say, tell me, is he very bad? 
Doctor. Humph ! Don't you think it looks that 

way? 
Nell. But he was very good to me 

You know he saved us from the mob. 
Doctor. No boys like him are wholly bad. 

Nell. But only not brought up well, eh? 

Doctor. Are not brought up at all, Truth is 

Are kept down badly. Trample on 

A growing vine, it grows up crooked. 
Nell. The court then will not punish him? 
Doctor. Not punish him? 
Nell. Why, if the fault's 

His bringing up, it's not his own. 
Doctor. Do you suppose men punish most 

The ones that are the most at fault? 
Nell. Why, yes, of course. 
Doctor. Oh no. 

Nell. What then? 

Doctor. They punish crime. 



Classes and Masses or Ned and Nell. 63 

Nell. And what is crime? 

Doctor. The fault that some one has found out. 

It grows in low life usually. 

The seed is dropped from sin in high life. 

With God, the seed may count for something. 

Man forms his judgment from the growth. 
Nell. But if we go and tell the court 

How good and kind Ned was to us 

Doctor. (Shaking his head doubtfully.) 

As well talk summer to the ears 

That frosts are freezing. It is not 

What has been but what is that moves 

The senses, which, far more than sense, 

Determine human judgments. This 

Is why, I take, it, that so often 

One careless wrong can overbalance 

A life-long care in doing right. 
Nell. But is that just? 
Doctor. No ; true. It seems 

As if our good deeds all are written 

Against the light of heaven in light ; 

And few, and often none, can see them. 

Bad deeds are written there in black ; 

And one dot makes a blotch of all things. 
Nell. (Pointing tozvard Door Left Center.) 

You think then there's no hope for him? 
Doctor. He's young; and that may be considered. 

Yet old enough to have known better. 

And that must be considered too. 

Nell. Poor boy ! 

(She rises and suddenly ehanges her tone, the 

Doctor also rises.) 

You know why I came here? 
Doctor. What for? 
Nell. Before I go to bed 

I think you said you had no supper — 

The policeman said so too ; and so, 

I mean to get some for you both. 

I'm going down to set the table. 

When ready, I will come and call you. 
(Aside and showing a key, as she moves tozvard 

the Left.) 

If I can get him out the room, 

I think that Ned will get out too. 

Doctor. But Nell 

Nell. (Gesturing tozvard the Left.) 

You know our waiter's gone. 
Doctor. Oh, don't you bring it here yourself. 



6 4 Classes and Masses or Ned and Nell. 

Nell. (Bowing and imitating the manner of the 
Doctor J 

Besides I think 'twas Uncle Tom 
Once said "Our human mouths are doors 
That swing in front of souls as well 
As palates, — where the fun comes out 
As well as food goes in ; to balance 
The lower use of them in eating. 
'Tis nicer, when we eat, to talk. 

Doctor. (Laughingly.) 
Good memory. 

Nell. Again — "Our teeth. 

Are white keys of an instrument 
On which the spirit plays — to sound 
The music of the speaking voice. 
'Tis better when they must move somehow, 
To keep them at the spirit's work." 

Doctor. For ladies, yes. But I'm a man. 

Nell. It's men's ideals that keep us ladies. 
I'm sure that men are better pleased 
With other men that act like women, 
Than women are. When we want women, 
We take to our own mirrors — thus. 
(Courtesying to the full length mirror.) 
I'll call you when the table's ready. 
Poor thing, with twice as many feet 
As you have, it can't walk up stairs. 

Doctor. It must be very full. 

Nell. It will be. 

You'll find it something like a pigeon, 
A better carrier than a walker ; 
And you can pluck it all you wish. 

Exit — Left Third — Nell. 

Doctor. A charming girl ! 

(Looking tozvard the closet at Left Center.) 

And yet, perhaps 

Enter — Left First — Upson in dressing goivn and 
slippers. 

Upson. I thought I heard my daughter. 

Doctor. Yes ; 

She's offered me some supper. 

Upson. Humph ! 

Doctor. Have you objections? 

Upson. I? — Oh no; 

She's mistress here. I ought myself 
To have thought of it ; but hurry up. 
She shouldn't lose her sleep to-night. 

Exit — Left First — Upson. 



Classes and Masses or Ned and Nell. 65 

Doctor. (Looking after Upson, then toward the 

closet at Left Center.) 

He's no objection. I'll have none. 
Enter — Left Third — Nell. 
Nell. (To Doctor.,) 

Good news ! — The table has been set. 

The servants left it that way. — Come ! 
Exit — Left Third — The Doctor, for whom Nell 

holds open the door.) 
Nell. (Aside.) 

There's not a fish that's caught by bait 

As easily as a hungry man. 
Exit — Left Third Entrance — Nell. 
Ned. (Looking out of the ventilator over the door 

in the closet at Left Center.) 

Here comes the rubber of the game ! — 

No rubber would be in their game, 

If I myself was only rubber — 

Would squeeze through this. But it's no go 

No go for me. It's only stay. 

The boys, — humph ! — talk of waiting on 

A girl. I'm waiting on Miss Nell. 

I rather guess, from what I heard, 

She wants it — Coming through the door ! 

And so am I, I guess ! — Good bye. 
("Ned's head disappears. ) 
Enter — Left Third — Nell, crosses the room in 

haste, pulls a key from her pocket and fits it 

into door at Left Center. 
Nell. Now if my key will only fit ! 

It does. — 

(To NedJ 

Come out, Ned, Sh ! Come out. 

The police are all down stairs at supper. 

I left to get some coffee for them. 

Now follow me. 
Enter — Left Center — Ned dressed in the news- 
boy's coat and cap as in Act II. 
Ned. (Pointing toward Left Third.) 

Wait, wait. — The door! 
Nell. The doors ! — Oh yes, of course, we'll lock 
them. 

("Ned bolts the door at Left Third.) 

(Nell runs to lock door at Left First.) 
Upson. (From inside.) 

Is that you Nell? 



66 Classes and Masses or Ned a?id Nell. 

Nell. Yes, father, yes. 

(She looks at Ned zvho makes a gesture of dis- 
sent, nevertheless she locks the door, and says 
to Ned./ 

I never could forgive him, never 
If he kept you from getting off. 

Ned. But this will make him very angry. 

Nell. (Running to door at Right First and open- 
ing it.) 
Come, Ned, come, come. 

Ned. All right, I'm coming. 

Exit — Right First — Nell and Ned. Sound of the 
lock as they turn the key of the door. 

Enter — Left First — Upson, after violent efforts 
to pull open the locked door. He is in dressing 
gown and slippers. He looks about, then seeing 
the closet door at Left Center open. 

Upson. Is gone — and Uncle Tom away ! 
Of course ! 

(Moves toward door at Left Third, finds it locked, 
then unbolts and opens it, and calls.) 

Policemen here, come here ! 

They must have gone the back way. 

(Crosses the room to find the door at Right First 

Entrance locked.) 

Yes,— 
Just what I thought. 

Enter — Left Third — Ives and Second Policeman. 
('Upson points to the closet at Left Center.) 
The boy has gone. 

Ives. The back way? 

Upson. Yes, and locked the door. 

Ives. (To Second Policeman, pointing to Left.) 
You rush down stairs, and through the house. 
Perhaps you'll reach the back door first. 

Exit— Left Third — Second Policeman. 

Ives. (To UpsonJ Meantime, if they are headed 
off, 
Perhaps they'll come back here. 
(Trying the door at Right First Entrance.) 

Upson. No, no ; it's locked. 

Enter — Left Third — the Doctor. 

Doctor. (Looking toward the closet.) 

Left the house? 

Upson. Yes, yes; a precious set of mice! — 
She's trapped you all with toast and cheese ! 
(Looking toward IvesJ 
No wonder that the slums break loose 
From such as you ! j 



Classes and Masses or Ned and Nell. 67 

Ives. I beg your pardon 

Enter — Left Third — Second Policeman. 

Upson. (To Second PolicemanJ 
You found him? 

Second Policeman. No. 

Upson. But you found Nell, — 

My daughter? 

Second P. No; she's not down stairs. 

She must have left the house, I think. 

Upson. My Nell has gone with him ! Oh, God ! 
(Pointing tozvard the Left.) 
There — out the front and round the corner; 
And head them off. A thousand dollars 
To the one of you that catches him. 

Second P. (To Upson. ) 

You wouldn't have us fire at him? 

Upson. Do anything to get the girl. 

The more you frighten them the better. 

Exeunt — Left Third — Second Policeman, Ives 
and the Doctor. 

Upson. (Continuing to himself.) ■ 
With such a boy, in such a night ! — 
Poor Nell ! I'll have to go myself. 

(Moves toward Left First Entrance, pulling off 
his dressing gown.) 

Enter — Left Third — the Doctor, with a Messen- 
ger. 

Doctor. (Pointing tozvard UpsonJ 
He's there. 

Exit — Left Third — the Doctor. 

Upson. (To Messenger.,) 

What's that? 

Mess. (Handing Upson a note. Upson takes it.) 

A note for you. 

Upson. For me? — Who from? 

Mess. A man down town. — 

He told me you would pay for it. 

Upson. (Snatching the message from the Messen- 
ger's hand and opening, reading the note, and 
soliloquising about it.) 

Queer hand ! — "You must not harm the boy." — 
What boy? — "The boy called Ned" — a scamp. 
Deserves it ! "It was Jerry Brown 
Kidnapped your son." — Who? Jerry Brown? — 
"He told me on his dying bed." — 
Who, Jerry? Jerry? — Is he dead? — 
"He told me on his dying bed 
The story of that capture. Since 



68 Classes a?id Masses or Ned and Nell. 

I've always tried to find you out, 

But did not know your name was Upson, 

And never found you till to-day/' 

To-day? — Who have I seen to-day? 

"You ought to have remembered me, 

Your former playmate, Reddy Gates. 

I'm off; but write to let you know 

The boy who set me free, — the boy 

The police have captured is your son." 

(He drops letter on floor.) 

My son? — That Ned my son, my son? — 

Enter — Left Third — Second Policeman with 
Nell. 

Second P. We've brought her back. 

Upson. But where's the boy? 

Nell. (Wringing her hands.) 
They shot him. 

Upson. (Greatly agitated.) 

What? — You shot that boy? 

Second P. Why you yourself — you said we might. 

Upson. I just have learned he was my son. 

Second P. (In great astonishment.) 
Your son? 

Upson. Yes, yes. 

Nell. Oh, papa, papa, 

Why didn't you think, and think before 

What I have always, always felt — 
That he at least belonged to some one 
Ah, papa, was the son of some one. 

curtain. 



Classes and Masses or Ned and Nell. 69 



ACT V. 

Scene: A suburban Restaurant and Concert Gar- 
den. Backing, through windows or doors is a 
view of the garden, with trees, walks, tables, 
chairs, etc. At the Right, in the hall, are two 
tables surrounded by, at least, four chairs. One 
table has beer-mugs on it. At the Left, is a 
slightly elevated stage, on which is also a table, 
and on this table is a small mirror and a towel. 
Entrances at Right First, Right Third, and Left 
Second, the latter from the elevated stage. 

Enter— Right First— Reddy disguised with a wig, 
and dressed as a waiter. He holds a newspaper 
in his hand. 
Enter— Left Second— Ned, also disguised with 

a wig and dressed as a girl. 
Reddy. (To himself.) 

Von Stein is caught, eh?— and the boys 

Have told how he gave out them bombs. 
(Handing the paper to Ned, zvho instantly begins 

to read it.) 

Here, Ned, read this. 

(Reddy continues to himself.) 

I haven't yet dared 

To tell him of his dad— might think 

His dad would free him. Like as not 

He wouldn't— only think me lying. 
Ned. (Waving the paper above his head.) 

We're safe, eh? 
Reddy. We'll not hang. 

Ned. Not y° Ll! 

But, unky, there are other ways 

To choke a fellow than around 

The throat. It's choking me down here. 

(Putting his hands on his waist.) 

Oh how it does choke down a boy 

To try to make a girl of him ! 

But now we're safe, I'll breath again, 

And split things! 
r eddy . No, no ; better keep 

A little low just yet. It's ail 

Agin the laws for you to squeeze 

In rigs like that. 



jo Classes a?id Masses or Ned a?id Nell. 

Ned. It ought to be. 

It don't leave room to eat through, ugh ! 
Wish I had known a fat girl, ugh ! 

Reddy. It's well that you knew Sally Jones. 

Ned. That's what my poet said — " 'Tis well 
To sew the seeds of friendship when 
The sun is shining on your summer, 
Then, when your fall comes, they bear fruit.'*' 

Reddy. (Laying his hand on Ned's shoulder.) 
And how's your shoulder getting on? 

Ned. All right ! 'Twas nothing but a scratch. 

Reddy. But few could get the likes of that, 
And keep their heads as you did, Ned. 

Ned. You see I guessed if I played possum, 
The Miss would shriek, and make the cops — 
At least the front one — dart at her. 
Besides I dropped just at the corner; 
Then skited off before they spied me. 

Reddy. 'Twas lucky that they missed you. 

Ned. Yes, 

(Looking down at his dress.) 
They made a miss of me — in more 
Than one way. 

Reddy. Not so bad a miss. 

We needn't fear the devil himself 
At noon-day even. Back of wigs 
And rigs like these, no one could know us. 
(Taking his zvig off, then putting it on.) 

Ned. I'm not so sure of that. It looked as if 
The man that called me out last night 
Had wind of something. So, to-day, 
Let's get our pay in full, and leave. 

Reddy. Leave? — when? 

Ned. At night, when they're abed. 

Reddy. But 

Ned. Oh, I'll play your mother, unky, 

You ought to see the old crone's rig 
That Sally brought this morning for me. 

Reddy. But if we leave in such a flurry 

Ned. We'll leave a note to say our child 
Was taken ill, and we've gone west. 
Then we'll go east, of course. Three hours, 
We'll reach New York; and there you know — 
They have so many other jail-birds, 
That they won't hunt for us. 

Reddy. I see. 

Ned. But I must practice now. 

Reddy. Hard work? — 

Not so? 



Classes and Masses or Ned and Nell. 71 

Ned Oh yes— down here ; 

(Putting his hand on his belt.) 
1 and here, 

(Gesturing toward the restaurant.) 
But higher up, where one can breathe 
Free air, and be a star, I guess 
It's easy there as it is bright. 
Reddy. (Taking some mugs of beer from the table 
at Right and drinking.) 
I've found a trade that isn't hard. 
I learned it on me mother's knee. 
(Smacking his lips.) 
Exit— Right First— Reddy. 
Ned. Now I must practice. Let me see. 

I'll try this first : . . ± , 

/Ned can here play on various instruments or 
sing or dance, or both, saying as he passes from 
one to the other.) 

Now this . 

Now this. — — 

Now that new song. Hope folks will like it 
(Taking a paper from his pocket, and reading 
the song as he sings it.) 

Oh you, who prate of freedom, 

Say, are you fools or knaves?— 
Of all the things men like the best, 

The first is being slaves. 
Who ever yet bought coat or hat, 

Or wore a gown or bustle, 
That dared defy the style in that 

Which made the parlor rustle.'' , 

Though it may clothe our dearest friend, 
Outside our parlor, in the end, 

The fashionless we hustle. 
Oh, vou may call that being free, 
But it does not seem free to me. 

Oh vou who prate of freedom, 

You send vour babes to schools, 
And just when old enough to work, 

You turn them all to tools; 
And they, lest when, left free from strife, 

Mere rest should bring them pleasure, 
Are not content, till wedded life 
Make slavery of their leisure; 
Then, that more tyrants may be grown. 
Each stocks a nursery of his own, 

And calls each sprout a treasure :— 



J2 Classes and Masses or Ned and Nell. 

Oh you may call that being free, 
But it does not seem free to me. 

Oh you who prate of freedom, 

Work once was free for each. 
But comes the boss — his voice is heard, 

And work is passed your reach. 
More cash you want. Your savings go 

To pay another's bill. 
And peace you want. Before you know 

You vow, perchance, to kill. 
You once had pay. On freedom bent, 
You serve a chief, nor get a cent, 

Who works you at his will : — 
Oh you may call that being free, 
But it does not seem free to me. 

Oh you who prate of freedom, 

In home, in state, in church, 
If any realm could grant your wish, 

It would not end your search. 
The place where souls like most to be 

Is where with most they mingle ; 
Hearts filled with love feel never free, 

So long as they are single ; 
And those, in all they care about, 
Who always leave their neighbors out, 

Find life not worth this jingle: — 
Oh, you may call that being free. 
But it does not seem free to me. 

('Ned looks suddenly toward the Right.) 
Hello ! — Some one is coming there. 
(Looks into the small mirror on the table.) 
How do I do? — I'll dodge in here, 
And watch a while. 

Exit — Left Second — Ned. 

Enter — Right Third — Ives, the Doctor, Nell and 
Upson. The latter, however, instantly exits. 
Ives is in ordinary citizen s clothes, the Doctor 
has an umbrella, green spectacles, water-proof 
overcoat and slouch hat, and Nell has an um- 
brella, waterproof overcoat, boy's slouch hat, 
and rubber boots. 

Doctor. Well, well at least. 

We're sheltered from the rain here, Nell. 
(Looking at her.) 

We've kept our promise — kept you dry? — 
But you do look so like a boy ! 



Classes and Masses or Ned and Nell. 73 

Nell. Why can't you play I am one? 
Doctor. Ah ? — 

You think Ned may not know you then? 
Nell. Why should he, if he don't know you ? 

And with those goggles on — and coat — 

You said, yourself, you were disguised. 

Doctor. I know — but not on purpose 

Ives. Yet, 

It might not be a bad idea. 

It might allay suspicions. 
Doctor. What ? 

Ives. I've left my buttons off for this. 

Why shouldn't she leave off — 
Doctor. No, no; 

That isn't necessary, Ives. 
Ives. They might away did they suspect us ; 

And, for a little while, till we have told 

Our errand 

Nell. Let me have some fun. 

Doctor. And did I ever spoil your fun? 

(Making a motion as if to kiss her.) 

What shall I call you, dove? 
Nell. Why what 

Doves mostly think the most of, — Bill. 
Enter — Left Second — Ned. 
Ives. (Calling to Ned as soon as he sees him.) 

Come here, my girl. 
Ned. (Advancing cautiously.) 

Good day. 
Ives. Good day. 

Ned. We're open in the afternoon. 
Ives. Ah, yes — are strangers here. — Large place ! 
Ned. Quite large ; but every night is crowded. 

Ives. You're 

Ned. One of the performers. 

Ives. Ah !— 

Can we take seats here? — have some beer? 
Ned. Of course. 
Ives. Three glasses. Hurry up 

(Gives a quick look at the Doctor, and adds.) 

And bring one for yourself, too, girl. 
Exit — Right First — Ned. 
Ives. That's he. 
Doctor. Are sure? 

Ives. (To Nell.,) Don't you think so? 

Nell. Oh, yes, yes, certainly. 
Ives. (To Nell.) You know 

That it's from us he is disguised. 



J4 Classes and Masses or Ned and Nell. 

Nell. 'Twas what you meant just now. 

Ives. Of course. 

If he suspects us, he'll be off. 
Nell. But if we told him all the truth ? 
Doctor. But we're not sure it is the truth. 

Your father, first, must talk with Reddy. 

As soon as Reddy comes, we both will leave 

You two together. 
Nell. Then ? 

Ives. Why you 

Must keep Ned here till we return. 
Doctor. Precisely. 

Nell. If he grow suspicious? 

Ives. He mustn't. 

Nell. How can I prevent it? 

Doctor. Will do no great harm if you don't — 

Will not be frightened much by you. 
Ives. And you can make him know, of course, 

Your father's change of mind — how he 

Would have Ned live with him. 
Nell. Yes, yes. 

Enter — Right First — Ned, with three glasses of 

beer, which he places on the table. 
Ives. (To Ned.; All right. 

(To Doctor, motioning him tozvard a chair.) 

Sit down here, Jones. 
Doctor. (To Nell, doing the same.) 

Here, Nell. 
Ned. (Aside.) 

Here, Nell ! — I thought I knew that crowd. 

By hokey dorey, I'll vamose. 
Ives. (Motioning to Nell, and ostentatiously cor- 
recting the mistake.) 

We want you, Bill • 

(Doctor, Nell and Ives sit at one of the tables 

at Right.) 

('Ned starts for Right First Entrance.) 

(Calling to Ned J 

And what has put you on the run? 
Ned. (Turning around tozvard IvesJ 

I want to get the bill of fare. 
Ives. Oh, that was not the bill I meant. 

I used the word Bill as a name. 

(Pointing toward Nell J 
Ned._ (Aside, while the Doctor and Nell also talk 

aside.) 

They wouldn't try to fool like that 

Without a reason; but she's with them. 

The reason can't be all a mean one. 



Classes a?id Masses or Ned and Nell. 75 

Doctor. (To Ned as he pushes forward a chair.) 

Sit down with us. Come — take this chair. 
Ned. (Drawing back with assumed modesty.) 

Oh no ; — agin the rules. 
Doctor. So so? — 

You've been here long? 
Ned. (Aside, as he takes the towel from the table 

at the left and wipes the top of it, keeping his 

back to the others.) 

A week or two. 
Doctor. (Aside to Nell J 

One never speaks the truth as well 

As when he doesn't try to speak it. 

(To NedJ 

You've been here in the city though? 
Ned. About a year. 

Ives. What part of it? 

Ned. (Aside.) 

He thinks he's seen my face before. 

I'll make him sure of it. 

(To Ives.) 

West side. 
Doctor. (Aside to Nell J 

That boy is bright. When one expects 

A lie, the lips that tell him truth 

Will lead him furthest from it. 

(To NedJ 

Humph ! 

Near Upson's factory? 

(Ives shows signs of disapproval of the Doc- 
tor's question.) 
Ned. Yes, close by. 

(Ives whispers to the Doctor. Ned continues to 
himself.) 

Von Stein's yanked up. The boys will clear 
me. 

Or, if I have to, I can run. 
Doctor. (Waving Ives aside, and speaking to 

NedJ 

You know him? 
Ned. Everybody does. 

Ives. Fine man. 

Ned. No; not what I call fine. 

Doctor. Because the man has risen in life? — 

If one shake pebbles in a pail, 

The fine ones fall, the coarse ones rise, 

You think? 
Enter — Right Third Entrance — Upson, and stands, 

unseen by Ned, near the Entrance. 



y6 Classes and Masses or Ned and Nell. 

Ned. I haven't had to think. 

Doctor. What then? 

Ned. To see. 

Doctor. See what? 

Ned. See him. 

Ives. Seen him, eh? — How then does he look? 

Ned. Look? — with his eyes — would better ask 
How he don't look — at limbs like us ! — 
Has held his head up high so long 
It has forgotten where it came from. 

Ives. You can't judge people by their looks. 

Ned. I don't judge him by looks. — I know 
A boy who saved his girl from harm ; 
And saved his house, too, when the mob 
That burned his mill was after it. — 
This boy — to keep from jail a man, 
Not guilty, who had brought him up — 
Just played with dynamite, no more — 
Enough to let the man shy off, 
And not be jugged up by a cop; 
Yet when this boy was caught, and thought, 
And those, too, who had caught him thought, 
This Upson would remember, help him, — 
This man, he made the very house 
The boy had saved his — what? — his jail; 
And locked him in a closet there. 
And when Miss Upson, like a lady, 
Had let him loose, her great big father 
Set up a baby's bawl to fetch the cops, 
And like a coward sent them out 
To shoot the boy down like a dog, 
And stop — no not his feet, but heart. 

Exit — Right Third — Upson. 

Ives. (Who has risen, advancing tozvard NedJ 
You seem to know your story well. 

Ned. (Putting his hand to his pocket as if to 
draw out a pistol, then dodging away.) 
Don't lay your hand on me, I say; 
Or I may use a little toy 
That sometimes keeps a woman safe. 
(The Doctor and Nell both rise in alarm.) 

Nell. (To Ned..) 

Oh, Ned, don't use that! Don't, don't Ned. 

Ned. Don't Ned! — Haha, haha, haha! 
You can't tell Ned then from his twin? — 
Do you suppose that I'm a fool ? 
Do you suppose if I was Ned, 
That I would tell the truth about it, 



Classes a?id Masses or Ned and Nell. Jj 

When spies are on my track ? — Aha ! — 

(To IvesJ 

You can't judge people by their looks. 

(Ives, the Doctor and Nell look, in a surprised 
way, at one another.) 
Enter — Right Third — Reddy. 

Reddy. Why, what's the matter here? What is it? 
Doctor. (To Reddy, and pointing tozvard NedJ 

If you're the one they call her husband, 

Stay here with us — We're friends, I say. 

We want to see you. 
Exit — Right First — Reddy followed by the Doctor 

and Ives. 
Ned. (Aside, looking anxiously toward Right First 

Entrance.) 

No hope in following them. — I can't 

Do anything except with her. 

(Looking toward NellJ 
Nell. (Aside, looking at NedJ 

To do what uncle wished, I've got 

To play that I believe him now. 
Ned. (Aside.) 

I'll play I don't know who she is. 
Nell. (To NedJ 

I think you're very pretty. 

(Aside.)' Boys, 

They always start in that way. 
Ned. (Twisting his shoulders and ivaist.) 

Ah!— 

(Aside.) 

That's just the way a girl would act. 
Nell. (Sitting in chair near table at Left Center.) 

Are you so bashful as all that? 
Ned. Why yes. 
Nell. Why? 

Ned. (Coming nearer her.) 

Why 

Nell. (Pointing to chair near her.) 

Say, chipmunk here. 
Ned. (Tzvisting himself at waist.) 

He he ! There can't be any harm. 

(Sitting in chair.) 
Nell. No, no ; my honey, not with me. 
Ned. My sonny? 
Nell. Honey. 

Ned. Oh, how sweet ! 

Nell. (Putting her hand, on the tye at her neck 

and pointing to his.) 

You have a mighty jolly bow there! 



j 8 Classes and Masses or Ned and Nell. 

Ned. (Looking at her.) 

Beau where? 
Nell. (Stroking her own chin.) 

About your chin. 
Ned. Oh, yes! — 

And so you thought that I was Ned? 
Nell. You look just like him. 
Ned. Oh, of course! — 

You thought him pretty then ? 
Nell. Oh, now, 

We never talk that way of boys. 
Ned. No, no! — I wouldn't do so either. 

No matter how much I was tempted, 

But where was it you knew him, eh? 
Nell. We handled newspapers, we two. 
Ned. Oh, you're a newsboy? 
Nell. There's a time 

I ran about the streets with them. 
Ned. You did? — You never handled much 

Besides I guess. 

(Pointing to her hands.) 

Your hands don't show it. 
Nell. Yours do — Will you go home with me? 
Ned. Why, what a question? 
Nell. But I mean it. 

We two could get along together. 
Ned. I rather think we could, we two. 

We need a boy there — 

(Correcting herself.) 

and a girl. 
Ned. (Significantly.) 

And you would have them both in me? 
Nell. Oh no! — In you and me. Come, will you? 
Ned. Keep on. I like to hear you talk. 
Nell. It isn't boys do most the talking. 
Ned. Oh no ! their lips do other things. 

(Puckering up his lips, as if for a kiss.) 
Nell. Come now. 
Ned. (Moving his seat nearer her.) 

I'm coming. 
Nell. (Moving her seat further from his.) 

Keep away! 
Ned. My corsets ! — how you do switch off. 
Nell. I'm no more apt to switch than you are. 
Ned. Oh, but you ought to be. 
Nell. Why so? 

Ned. Your hands and feet are so much smaller — 

Slip in and out things easier. 



Classes and Masses or Ned a?id Nell. 79 

Nell. (Looking down at her feet and hands.) 

Yes, they are smaller ; that's a fact. 
Ned. (Holding his hands out near hers.) 

Yes, that's a fact there in our hands. 
Nell. What fact? 

Ned. (Drawing back and looking at her.) 
The fact that's in your face. 
Nell. (Looking dozvn modestly, then assuming 
boldness.) 

By gum ! but you're a bold girl, you. 
Ned. Oh what a naughty, naughty, by-word ! — 

Say, boy, look here. 
Nell. (Bashfully turning her face azvay.) 

No, no ; I can't. 
Ned. I never met a boy before 

That acted just like you. 
Nell. Nor I 

A girl as bold as you are. 
Ned. Well. 

Nell. Well. 

Ned. Well. All's well that ends well. Tell me 
How dare a sissy boy like you 
Invite a Tom-girl like myself, 
To live inside your father's house? 
How long do you suppose before 
It would be made too hot for me ; — 
So hot that he would fire me out? 
Nell. Oh, but I know my father wants you. 
Ned. Well, he will want me a good while. 
Nell. Oh no ; not that ; I mean he means — 

Ned. I mean you mean he means by means 

Nell. Come! Don't make fun of that 

Ned. And what if Ned should come to see me? 

Nell. At our house ! Papa would be tickled 

Ned. (Roguishly.) 

Your papa? 
Nell. (A little annoyed.) 

Yes, my father, yes. 
Ned. I thought you meant to say your father. 

You didn't mean though, the rest you said. 
Nell. I did. There's no one in the world 

My papa wants to help so much. 
Ned. Who gave him that idea? — Did you? 
Nell. No; Mister Upson. 
Ned. Upson? 

Nell. Yes. 

Ned. You mean ? 

Nell. I mean that Mister Upson 

Has told me that himself. 



So Classes and Masses or Ned and Nell. 

Ned. Told what? 

Nell. What he would give to find Ned Brown. 

Ned. What would he? 

Nell. Everything he owns. 

Ned. Wait, wait ! If I'm not fooled, then you are. 

If he could lay his hands on Ned, 

Humph! — Ned would go to jail — so quick! 

(Snapping his fingers, then suddenly rising.) 
Nell. (Rising, alarmed to stop him.) 

Don't go Ned. don't. 
Ned. You call me Ned? 

Nell. You saved our house. 
Ned. You saved my legs. 

Nell. And now, when you were lost, I've found 

you. 
Ned. You came to find me? 

Nell. Yes, and Reddy. 

Ned. (Looking toward Right in a threatening 

way.) 

I'll 

Nell. Come, Ned. They're not going to harm him. 

The man who gave that bomb to you 

Was caught, and has confessed it all. 

Besides, there is another reason. 

I promised not to tell it ; but 

You'll find that everything with you 

Has changed. 
Ned. Yes, I should think it had. 

You're telling me the truth now, are you ? 

Say — honor bright ; — it's all the truth ? 
Nell. Ned, all I've said has been the truth. 

But I've not told you all the truth ; 

For all the truth is so much brighter 

Than all I've said. 
Enter — Right Third — behind Ned who has his 

back to them, Upson, the Doctor, Ives and 

Reddy. 
Ned. It can't be, Miss. 

You don't know all you've said to me. 

You've told me Reddy has been proved 

An honest man. It's all I want. 
Upson. But it's not all that we want, Ned. 

Though thank you, boy, for your kind heart. 
Ned. (To Reddy, zvhile he looks at Upson in a 

doubtful way.) 

But is it true that you are free? 
Reddy. It is. I am ; and so are you. 

And here's the friend has done it for us. 



Classes and Masses or Ned a?id Nell. 8j 

(Reddy points to Upson. Ned draws back from 
him.) 

No, Ned, don't, don't draw back from him, — 
The best friend you could have on earth. 

Upson. (To Ned J 

I hope to prove myself so, Ned. 

You seem to doubt if I can do it. 

And I don't wonder. I've been wrong. 

They're some, you think, I've overlooked. 

Ned. I didn't mean, sir, all I said. 
'Twas but a part that I was playing, 
To make them think me not a part 
Of that which was no play for Reddy. 

Upson. A part one plays would never please 
The fancy of himself or others, 
Unless it seemed a part of truth. 
But if one be not always kind, 
He may have reasons, don't you know? — 
The sea of life's a stormy one. 
He sinks, who does not strive to swim, — 
Ay, fight it both with hands and feet. 

Reddy. (To Ned.,) 

Yes, that's the way he's kept on top. 

Doctor. And all that sea is filled with kickers; 
And nothing makes a man kick worse 
Than fear that he'll be kicked the first. 

Upson. (Good nature dly.) 

Tis such hard work to keep afloat, 

I may have overdone the task. 

But if I have, your voice, my boy, 

Shall call me back to where I started. 

There was a time when fortune seemed 

Walled out from me, as now from you 

And Reddy. Some I knew — and I 

Was one — must scale those walls, but some 

Had golden keys that could unlock 

Their gates. Oh what would I have given, 

But for the smallest of the keys 

To fit the smallest gate before me ! — 

My boy, you come and live with me, 

You'll have no small key, but a large one. 

Ned. But Reddy 

Upson. Bless your loyalty! 

You have my pledge to help you both — 
Has Reddy ever told you, Ned, 
About your father? 

Ned. Certainly. 

Upson. And did you ever hope to meet him? 

Ned. I've always hoped it. 



82 Classes and Masses or Ned and Nell. 

Upson. Do you think, 

If you should meet him, he would think 
His debt to Reddy less than yours? 

(Upson and Nell exchange significant glances. 
Ned notices them.) 

Ned. You can't mean — no — what? — can it be? 
Oh, say ! — I dare not think it true — 
You know my father? 

Upson. (Embracing Ned.,) 

I owe more 
To Reddy than you dream of yet. 

Ned. It can't be you — that. you're my father? — 
And she — Miss Upson — she — my sister? 
(Embracing Upson and NellJ 

Upson. I lost a boy. I find a man — 

(Placing his hand on Reddy's shoulder.) 
And here's the one he modelled after. 

Reddy. Not wholly, sir. 

Upson. But chiefly, man. 

Reddy. At school, sir, he has mixed with others. 

Upson. Yes, yes, and in a way not true 
In our old land across the sea, 
Been given a chance to go with those 
Brought up in our most cultured homes, 
And come to feel and act as they do. 
Our schools are schools where every boy 
Can learn to be a gentleman. 
That's why I love this country, yes, 
Despite the snob I've seemed to be 
Who couldn't root out the old world's weeds. 
(To Ned; 

And I would stand up for its laws 
Against my own son, Ned ; but that 
I knew my son was free from crime — 

Reddy. As free as 

Upson. (To ReddyJ You yourself are, Reddy. 
See here, — when we were boys together, 
You were as bright as I. If fate 
Has framed us different fortunes, let 
This hand of mine once more reveal 
(Giving to Reddy his hand.) 
How human love redeems from fate. 
My help may make my fortune yours 
As well as Ned's. 

Nell. As Ned's. 

Ned. (Taking her hand.) And Nell's. 

Positions on stage from Right to Left: 

Reddy, Upson, Ned, Nell, the Doctor, Ives, 
curtain, 
end of play. 




i 



